Princess Charlotte’s 10th birthday marked by picture release

The Prince and Princess of Wales have released a photograph of their daughter Princess Charlotte to mark her 10th birthday.

Charlotte has been pictured sat on a grassy bank with hills in the background, and appears to be taking a break during a hike in Cumbria earlier this year.

The princess was snapped on an iPhone by Kate, a keen amateur photographer who regularly takes images of her children to mark official occasions.

Cumbria is famed for its Lake District scenery and the young royal is dressed for a day walking in the hills, wearing a camouflage jacket by hunting and shooting brand Jack Pyke and a sturdy rucksack.

The image of the smiling princess was posted on William and Kate’s official social media accounts with the words “Happy 10th Birthday Princess Charlotte!” alongside a heart emoji and a picture credit for the Princess of Wales.

Charlotte Elizabeth Diana was born in the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, at 8.34am on May 2 2015, weighing 8lb 3oz.

Charlotte was last seen in public on Christmas Day when she walked to church with her family following a year, described as “brutal” by her father William, that saw her mother treated for cancer.

The Waleses spent quality time together recently enjoying trips abroad as a family reportedly in Mustique and skiing in the French Alps.

Third in line to the throne, Charlotte attends the co-educational private Lambrook School near Ascot in Berkshire, and loves dancing – especially ballet and tap.

She has a reputation for being feisty compared with her older brother George, and Kate has described the princess as “the one in charge”.