New photograph of Princess Charlotte as she celebrates second birthday

The Cambridges have followed a trend they set with their daughter's first birthday and given royal fans a new image of the toddler princess.

She is pictured at their Norfolk home Anmer Hall, wearing a yellow cardigan, decorated with images of sheep, while she sports a navy clip in her hair.

In a statement Kensington Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess are very pleased to share this photograph as they celebrate Princess Charlotte's second birthday.

"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."

The latest picture of Princess Charlotte will be all the more precious to admirers of the Royal family thanks to the scarcity of her public appearances.

Princess Charlotte has only appeared or been photographed at public engagements a handful of times, including a charming tea party in Canada last year where the world watched as she played with animals and balloons.

She made an appearance on Christmas Day when she was taken to a church service close to the home of her grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton in the Berkshire village of Bucklebury.

She was pictured in the arms of the Duchess when the royal party arrived at St Mark's Church in Englefield, with older brother Prince George holding the Duke's hand as they walked in. When they left, the royal children were clutching candy canes.

The young royal was first photographed on the day of her birth - May 2, 2015 - when the Duchess held her daughter outside the private maternity wing of St Mary's hospital in Paddington, central London, where the princess was delivered.

prince george princess charlotte style

She was named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana in tribute to her grandmother Diana, Princess of Wales and her great-grandmother the Queen.

The personal birthday photograph has become something of a Cambridge family tradition.

For Princess Charlotte's first birthday, Kensington Palace released four pictures taken by her mother, the Duchess of Cambridge.

They revealed the little girl was already walking, as she leaned on a toy trolley full of colourful bricks on one shot, beaming with delight at her toy teddy in  another.

Prince George's second birthday saw photographs of the lively toddler in his father's arms, taken by Mario Testino.

Her second birthday marks the beginning of a busy month for the toddler, who is due to act as bridesmaid for her aunt, Pippa Middleton, on May 20.

The wedding, in the Middleton's home of Bucklebury, will see Prince George take on page boy duties as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge support them from the pews.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte