Duchess of Cambridge Cradles Prince Louis in Heartwarming New Photograph

A new photograph of the Duchess of Cambridge holding her son, Prince Louis, after his christening has been released by Kensington Palace.

The picture, taken by photographer Matt Porteous, shows the 12-week-old prince being cradled by his mother with a wide open mouth smile.

Louis slept through the entire ceremony but was pictured alert and happy in the gardens of Clarence House.

The new photo was released on social media this morning, almost 12 hours after the Palace had put out four shots by photographer Matt Holyoak from the day before.

The Palace tweeted, “The Duke and Duchess hope that everyone enjoys this lovely photograph of Prince Louis as much as they do.”

Louis was wearing a replica of the royal christening robe made of fine Honiton lace lined with white satin.

This gown was created in 1841 for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal.

The gown has been worn for all subsequent royal baptisms, including the present Queen, her children, and grandchildren.

However, by 2008, it was clear the gown was becoming delicate and the Queen's senior dresser, Angela Kelly, ran up a handmade replica to preserve the original.

Kate wore a cream Alexander McQueen dress with a floral headpiece by Jane Taylor, and her long hair was swept back in a bun.

The latest photograph of Louis and his mother was taken by Mr Porteous, who also took Prince George's third birthday portrait.

William and Kate asked him to take some private shots for their personal family album, in addition to the formal portraits captured by official photographer Mr Holyoak.

A statement released by Kensington Palace said, “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released an additional photograph taken at the christening of Prince Louis on Monday, July 9.

The photograph was taken by Matt Porteous in the garden at Clarence House, following Prince Louis's baptism at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace.

Their Royal Highnesses hope that everyone enjoys this lovely photograph of Prince Louis as much as they do.”

The couple loved the particular picture so much that they decided to release it to the public today.