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Kate's First Pictures Of George And Charlotte

Four official photographs of Princess Charlotte being held in the arms of her older brother Prince George have been released by Kensington Palace.

Their mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, took the pictures in the middle of May - just a couple of weeks after giving birth to her daughter at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital.

One image shows George, who is third in line to the throne, affectionately kissing his sister on the forehead, and in another, he smiles while holding Charlotte's hand.

The Duchess of Cambridge is a keen amateur photographer, and the images capture her children in a more informal setting.

Kate studied photography as part of her history of art degree at St Andrews University, where she met William.

When Prince George was born in July 2013, his grandfather Michael Middleton also took a relaxed approach to the first official photograph, which was taken in the back garden of his family home in Bucklebury.

A flurry of excitement about the new pictures began to generate on Saturday morning, when Kensington Palace tweeted: "We'll be posting a very special photo of Prince George & his little sister Princess Charlotte late tonight. Can't wait to share it with you!"

Several photographs of the mail and handmade gifts sent to William and Kate by well-wishers were also uploaded onto the site.

"The Duke and Duchess are very grateful for the messages they've received on the birth of Princess Charlotte," an accompanying caption read.

The publication of her family pictures come as it was announced Princess Charlotte will be christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Sandringham on Sunday, 5 July.

The private ceremony will be held at St Mary Magdalene Church, which is only around three miles from the family home of Anmer Hall.

It is where the royal family usually attend their traditional Christmas service.

The date in early July may have been chosen as it fits with the Queen's plans as she will be going to Balmoral for the summer.

The princess' older brother George was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury at St James's Palace in October 2013.