In honour of Princess Ingrid Alexandra's seventh birthday on January 21, royal fans have been given the chance of a glimpse into the family's recent private trip to India.

And if the intimate family snaps are anything to go by, no-one enjoyed it more than the birthday girl herself.

The future queen's love of animals is revealed in some of the pictures, in which she can be seeing petting a kitten and hugging a friendly dolphin.

Ingrid visited India with her parents Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon in November.

The family – including Prince Sverre Magnus and Marius, Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship  – spent the winter months travelling during a trip designed to let the children experience other cultures.

Photo: © The Royal Court