Never-before-seen images show Prince Charles affectionately with family

Never-before-seen images of the Prince of Wales have been released showing a softer side of the heir to the throne - including Charles cuddling a beaming Prince Louis.

The intimate pictures were released in the Sunday Times Magazine to commemorate Prince Charles’ 70^th birthday, and were taken over the past year by Getty Images photographer Chris Jackson.

While they show Charles in a variety of candid moments, it is his interaction with six-month-old Prince Louis that catch the eye.

Charles is clearly a proud grandfather as he is pictured holding his third grandchild in one portrait.

And there is clearly a bond between the pair with the third image from the family portrait taken to mark Charles' birthday last week.

Clarence House had previously released one image where the whole family was relaxed and laughing , but today's image shows a cheeky Louis making a grab for his grandfather's nose.

Among the other images taken by Mr Jackson is Charles and his sons in their RAF uniforms during the airforce's 100th anniversary celebrations and him relaxing at Highgrove House.

Sweet images of Charles with Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have also been released.

The Queen hosted a lavish birthday party for the prince, and invited royals from across Europe for the back-tie-banquet to celebrate the milestone birthday.

The Prince of Wales was captured smiling giddily as he received a present and birthday balloon as he arrived for a tea party with 70 "inspiring people" who also celebrate their 70th birthdays this year.

There was also a private function at Buckingham Palace for friends and family hosted by the Queen.