The Prince of Wales has marked his 44th birthday by releasing a never-before-seen picture with his daughter, Princess Charlotte, 11. Kensington Palace released the portrait on Sunday morning, marking both his birthday and Father's Day with a touching tribute to his role as a devoted dad.
The heartwarming photo showed William beaming with his arm around his daughter in the Kensington Palace gardens after returning from Trooping the Colour on 13 June. The Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by their three children – Prince George, 12, Charlotte, and Prince Louis, eight – on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping.
In the caption, the message read: "Happy birthday and Father's Day to the best Papa in the World! We love you very much. C, G, C & L [pink hearts]," it was signed off with the Princess of Wales, George, Charlotte and Louis' initials.
The heartwarming image offers a rare insight into the Wales family's private life and showcases the close relationship the future King shares with his children.
Coincidentally, William's birthday also falls on the same day as his in-laws Carole and Michael Middleton's wedding anniversary.
The Prince of Wales was born on 21 June, 1982 at St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, the same hospital where his wife Kate gave birth to both their children.
© AFP via Getty ImagesWilliam traditionally marks his birthday privately with Kate and their three children. This year's celebration comes at the end of a busy week of royal engagements and announcements.
Earlier in the week, he and the Princess of Wales attended Garter Day and then shortly afterwards confirmed that their eldest son, Prince George of Wales, 12, will attend Eton College from September.
Just days earlier, the Wales family joined King Charles for Trooping the Colour, where crowds gathered along The Mall to catch a glimpse of the royals.
On Wednesday, William and Kate also made a stylish appearance at Royal Ascot, before the father-of-three visited the Apricot Centre the following day.
