Princess Charlotte christening photos released

Touching family photographs have been released to mark the christening of Princess Charlotte.

The four official images were taken by celebrated photographer Mario Testino immediately after the royal baby was baptised in front of the Queen and close relatives at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham on Sunday.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said on Thursday: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their whole family had a wonderful day on Sunday and were delighted to share the special occasion with the thousands of people who came to Sandringham.

"They are very happy to share these photographs and hope that everyone enjoys them as much as they do."

One of the images is a large group photo showing Charlotte's immediate family in the drawing room of the Queen's private Norfolk residence, including the Queen, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, and Kate's parents and siblings.

Kate and Charlotte are featured alone in one image also taken in the drawing room, with the Duchess looking proudly down at her daughter.

There is a black and white image taken in the grounds of Sandringham of the Duke holding his son.

The final image from the official set of christening pictures taken by Testino is a family photograph of the Cambridges with their children.

The outing for the christening was the first time the family of four had been seen together in public.

Testino, 60, is one of the most highly regarded fashion and portrait photographers in the world and his work has been showcased in international magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair and in museum and gallery exhibitions.