First official portraits of Princess Charlotte released by Kensington Palace

Cradling his two-week-old little sister in his lap, Prince George plants a loving kiss on Princess Charlotte, proving he is every inch the proud big brother.

Captured here in a beautiful series of photographs, taken by the Duchess of Cambridge and released last night by Kensington Palace, it’s clear how much the new siblings have bonded.

          

The first official photographs of the Princess were taken at the family’s country home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, just two weeks after Charlotte’s birth on May 2.

William and Kate have once again ignored the traditional Royal protocol of appointing an established portrait photographer. Instead the Duchess, a keen amateur photographer, took the shots herself.

  

It was of course her father, Michael, who surprised many by taking the first official portrait of George in August 2013.

Charlotte, with her irresistibly chubby cheeks and bright blue eyes, has darker hair than Prince George but they share the same nose – William’s – and rose bud lips.

With his hands protectively wrapped around his new sister, George looks besotted with her –and thrilled to be in charge.

Photographer Hugo Burnand, who took the official Royal Wedding pictures in 2011, praised Kate’s skills with the camera. ‘They’re utterly beautiful images which Prince George and Princess Charlotte will treasure forever,’ he said.

The next set of official family pictures will be at Princess Charlotte’s christening, due to take place on July 5 at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham – where Princess Diana was baptized. Aides said the christening, conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, will be a private affair.