Princess Charlotte Turns 2: Kate Middleton, Prince William Share Picture Of Daughter Ahead Of Birthday

Kensington Palace shared a rare portrait of Princess Charlotte Monday ahead of her May 2 birthday. The daughter of Kate Middleton and Prince William will celebrate her second birthday Tuesday.

“The Duke and Duchess are very pleased to share this photograph as they celebrate Princess Charlotte's second birthday,” Kensington Palace wrote on its official Instagram account. “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 photo was taken in April by the Duchess of Cambridge in April at the family's home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, according to the image caption. The youngest member of the British Royal family was captured in a yellow knit cardigan with blue sheep lining its collar and a navy blue barrette clipped into her shoulder length brown hair.

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­ABC News reported Monday that the photograph marks the first time that Charlotte has been pictured publically since December, when her parents were joined by Prince George during the Christmas season in Berkshire, near Kate’s family in Bucklebury. She has only been photographed a handful of times, making Monday’s release especially rare.

Charlotte will reportedly be a bridesmaid at the May 20 wedding of her aunt Pippa Middleton. Charlotte’s older brother, 3-year-old Prince George, will also in appear in the wedding as a page boy.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently sat for an interview to CALMzine in which they discussed their plans for raising their royal children. “Catherine and I are clear that we want both George and Charlotte to grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings,” Prince William said.