Palace releases touching never before seen images to mark Father's Day

The father and son were photographed by Kate. Photo / Kensington Palace Instagram

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have today released two previously unseen photos to mark Father's Day in the UK.

The first photo, which was taken by the Duchess in Sandringham in December last year, shows Prince William embracing Prince Charles in a loving hug.

The second image is a sweet childhood snap of Kate Middleton sitting on the knee of her father Michael Middleton.

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Happy Father’s Day! • 1. The Duke of Cambridge with The Prince of Wales at Sandringham in December 2019 2. Michael Middleton with his daughter Catherine First photo taken by The Duchess of Cambridge

A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal) on Jun 21, 2020 at 5:00am PDT

Prince Charles and the Duke of Edinburgh also posted family photos on social media to mark the occasion, with both royal fathers choosing favourite snaps of their children.

Charles shared a photo showing him smiling with his sons William and Harry, during a 2004 polo match at Cirencester Park.

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Whether you are a Father, a Dad, a Daddy or a Pa, wishing you a Happy Father’s Day! . 📷 1: A young Prince Charles is carried by his father, The Duke of Edinburgh, alongside his sister Princess Anne and mother Princess Elizabeth. Taken at Clarence House in 1951. . 📷 2: The Prince of Wales is pictured with his two sons at Cirencester Park Polo Cup in 2004. . © Press Association

A post shared by Clarence House (@clarencehouse) on Jun 21, 2020 at 12:00am PDT

The Prince of Wales also celebrated his own father, the Duke of Edinburgh, 99, with a special childhood photo taken in 1951 in the grounds of Clarence House.

Today also marks an extra special day for the Cambridge family, with Prince William also celebrating his 38th birthday alongside Father's Day.

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Thank you everyone for your very kind wishes on The Duke of Cambridge's birthday today! 🎂 🎈

A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal) on Jun 21, 2020 at 8:00am PDT

The father-of-three will spend the day with the Duchess of Cambridge, 38, and their children Prince George, 6, Princess Charlotte, 5, and Prince Louis, 2, at their Norfolk home of Anmer Hall.