Adorable New Photo Released to Mark Princess Charlotte's Second Birthday!

As hoped for, Kensington Palace released a beautiful new photo of Princess Charlotte ahead of her 2nd birthday tomorrow. The photo was taken by Kate in April at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall. It looks like it was taken in the hall's barn with bales of hay in the background. The Palace said "The Duke and Duchess are delighted to share to share the photograph to mark their daughter's special day on Tuesday. Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank everyone for all of the lovely messages they have received, and hope that everyone enjoys this photograph of Princess Charlotte as much as they do."

Kensington Palace /HRH The Duchess of Cambridge

It's a lovely photo - look at how much she's grown and how long her hair is!


How will the big day be marked? Likely with a small family party. More from Rebecca English:

"Expected to be a low key affair, celebrations are anticipated to include a small family party expected to be organised by her parents. Both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Charlotte's uncle, Prince Harry, have been spared from official engagements tomorrow. It is unlikely that we will see her grandfather Prince Charles at Charlotte's birthday as he is expected to continue his stay in Scotland this week. "

Charlotte's sweet outfit includes a very cute yellow and blue knit sheep cardigan from John Lewis. The Fair Isle style piece is a past season garment and has been sold out for some time (with thanks to What Kate's Kids Wore). It very much looks like Charlotte wore the JoJo Maman Bébé Long Sleeved Tee in Denim Dity Floral and her pretty bow is the Amaia Kids Medium Hair Bow in navy.

John Lewis/JoJo Maman Bébé/Amaia Kids

In many ways it feels like only yesterday Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge was born, weighing 8 lbs 3 oz at 8:34 a.m. on 2 May 2015. We saw our first glimpse of the Princess when William and Kate left the Lindo Wing with their daughter when she was less than twelve hours old.


A few weeks after her arrival, the Palace released photos of Charlotte and big brother George taken at Anmer Hall.


Princess Charlotte was baptised at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on 5 July.


I have always loved this mother and daughter christening portrait by Mario Testino.


That November, photos of six-month-old Charlotte taken by Kate were released. The Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess hope everyone enjoys these new photos of Princess Charlotte as much as they do." The images gave us our first glimpse into Charlotte's personality.


In December 2015, we had an unexpected festive treat when the Cambridges released a family photo to mark Christmas. The photo showing the Duke and Duchess with their smiling children Prince George and Princess Charlotte was taken among the autumn leaves at Kensington Palace in late October. The Palace said the photograph was commissioned for their own use, but that the couple decided to make it public because they liked it so much. It was taken by Wiltshire-based photographer Chris Jelf.


In March 2016, the Cambridges enjoyed their first holiday as a family of four. The Palace revealed it was the first time George and Charlotte has played in the snow.


Princess Charlotte sitting on "Gan-Gan's" lap for the Queen's 90th birthday portrait.


Kate took a selection of adorable photos at Anmer Hall to mark Charlotte's first birthday. The photo below of Charlotte looking at mum is precious.


I love this photo of a smiling Charlotte pushing her walker across the lawn. It's a delightful 'family album' photo and she looks simply adorable with a pink bow in her hair.


Charlotte made her first Trooping The Colour appearance in 2016.


In September, the Cambridges travelled to Canada - sixteen-month-old Princess Charlotte's first tour and the Cambridges first as a family of four - a special milestone.


Like her big brother, Charlotte was eager to take a peek when they landed :)


The highlight of the tour came when George and Charlotte attended a Children's Party at Government House. Charlotte was eager to take a look around and explore from the moment she arrived.


Charlotte made a beeline for the balloons shouting "Pop".


She was particularly taken with a black and white rabbit.


Princess Charlotte on a miniature pony.


A wave goodbye as the Cambridge departed Canada.


One of the most beautiful images from the tour.


The Cambridges spent Christmas in Bucklebury and brought George and Charlotte to church at St. Mark's in Englefield.


It seems George and Charlotte have been brought to church several times in Bucklebury. Rebecca English shared a recent account:

"She may only just be turning two, but Princess Charlotte already seems strong-minded. During a recent church sermon, she appeared impatient for the vicar of St Mary the Virgin, the parish church close to her grandparents’ home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, to bring the service to an end. ‘She gave the impression that it was going on a little too long,’ said one member of the congregation who observed the chubby-cheeked princess there with her protective big brother, Prince George, sitting good as gold in his pew. ‘Charlotte certainly has got a good voice."

It's wonderful to see George and Charlotte growing up and to witness their developing personalities. From all accounts, Charlotte was a relatively quiet baby. William described her as "a joy of heaven". At a reception last year Kate revealed a more boisterous side to her daughter revealing "she has a feisty side". We can look forward to seeing both George and Charlotte at their Aunt Pippa's wedding in less than three weeks when they will take on the roles of page boy and bridesmaid.


Wishing the Princess a very, very Happy Birthday :)