A sweet new picture of Prince William and Princess Charlotte has royal fans smiling for all the right reasons. Shared during a rare “double celebration” marking both Father’s Day and William’s birthday, the image quickly captured attention across social media.

PRINCE William is set for a bumper celebration today as the royal family release an adorable picture of the Prince with Princess Charlotte.

The charming photo shows Wills, turning 44 today, with his daughter in the Kensington Palace Gardens following the Trooping the Colour.

Prince William in a red military uniform with gold braids and medals, stands smiling with his arm around Princess Charlotte, who is wearing a white dress with a bow and smiling at the camera.
The royal family have released a gorgeous birthday photo of Wills with Charlotte in Kensington Palace gardensCredit: Matt Porteous
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The King shared a birthday photo of the Prince this morningCredit: Refer to source

The birthday message reads: “Happy birthday and Father’s Day to the best Papa in the World! We love you very much. C, G, C & L” with a cute love heart tagged on the end.

The festivities follow one of the busiest weeks in the royal calendar, as the Prince made appearances at The Order of the Garter and the Royal Ascot earlier this month.

It marks four years since his father, King Charles bestowed upon him the title of Prince of Wales, following the late Queen’s death in 2022.

After a turbulent period of shock and worry following Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis, the Prince will no doubt be spending as much time with his family as possible.

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It marks four years since the King bestowed the title of Prince of Wales upon WillsCredit: Getty
Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their three children lie on a grassy hill with two dogs.
The Prince and Princess of Wales posted a touching family photo to mark their 15th wedding anniversaryCredit: Matt Porteous
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The Prince of Wales has made appearances at various national ceremonial events this year, including Garter DayCredit: PA
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The royal family had a fresh start last autumn, moving into Forest Lodge in Windsor Great ParkCredit: PA

Especially given his birthday’s timely coincidence with Father’s Day, the 44-year-old is expected to enjoy the time privately at home with his three children, Prince George, Princess Kate and Prince Louis.

The dad-of-three has proved himself to be a “wonderfully loving, loyal husband” with a “hands-on” approach to raising a family, as royal expert Jennie Bond told the Mirror.

Whether that’s getting stuck in with the chaos of morning routines, doing the school runs or taking part in the kids’ activities, Will’s own upbringing – mired in acrimony – is a far cry from the one he’s giving his children.

It comes as Wills and Kate celebrated 15 years of marriage of April, sharing a touching photo of the family of five merrily sprawled on the lawn in the summer sunshine.

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Wills has been described as a “hands on” dad who gets stuck in with family lifeCredit: Princess of Wales/Kensington Palace/PA Wire
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Last year the royal family released a picture of the Prince with his four new cocker spaniel puppiesCredit: x/kensingtonroyal

The royal couple took part in a traditional carriage ride on Wednesday, enjoyed the races from the royal box and even shared a joke with former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate before the World Cup match.

After Kate’s announcement she was in remission, the royal family made a fresh start last autumn, moving into their eight-bedroom Forest Lodge in Windsow Great Park.

They stepped into their roles as Grantors of Royal Warrants in the spring, after King Charles granted them the titles earlier this year.

It gives them the authority to publicly endorse their favourite brands and services.

The royal couple’s calendar has been jam-packed for all of 2026, with charity engagements taking priority.

The Prince has been tireless in his campaign against suicide, opening a James’ Place suicide prevention centre in Birmingham in May, as well as various youth centres and initiatives in rural Norfolk.

The Prince received special birthday greetings early this morning, as the official Instagram page of the Welsh Guards shared glowing pictures of the future King fulfilling his duties as Colonel of the Regiment.

The statement reads: “Today the officers, soldiers, veterans and families fo the Welsh Guard send our very best to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales on his birthday.”

The expressed gratitude towards Wills for his continue support of the regiment.

Last year, the royal family shared an adorable photo of the Prince on his birthday surrounded by four hyperactive puppies.

All three kids were reportedly smitten with the fluffy brood, spawned by their beloved black cocker spaniel, Orla.