Growing up fast! On the eve of her second birthday an adorable Princess Charlotte is captured on camera by her mother the Duchess of Cambridge at the family home in Norfolk.

Her parents have described her as a 'joy from heaven' and on the eve of her second birthday the Duchess of Cambridge has captured her little angel in an adorable new snap.

Taken at Anmer Hall, their family home in Norfolk, where she is expected to spend her birthday, Charlotte, who will turn two tomorrow, can be seen beaming at her mother as photography enthusiast Kate snaps away. 

In the photo, taken in April, Charlotte can be seen wearing a traditional Fair Isle cardigan in baby blue and yellow from John Lewis with a slightly crumpled Peter Pan collar poking out of the top.

Her hair, which has grown noticeably since the last time she was photographed, has been pinned back with a navy blue ribbon, most likely by her mother in order to capture her adorable expression. 

It looks as though the duchess may have handed her daughter a picture book in order to keep her sweet while she poses for the picture.

Charlotte, who is known for her love of animals, appears to have been photographed in the hall's barn seeming well settled in a pile of hay for her portrait. 

 

The new photograph was shared by Kensington Palace on Monday. After sharing the image on social media, the palace gave a message of thanks on behalf of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

In a tweet it said: 'TRH would like to thank everyone for the lovely messages they have received & hope that everyone enjoys this photograph as much as they do.' 

It appears to be becoming quite the tradition in the Cambridge family as Charlotte's first birthday photos were also captured by the duchess.

In the four photos that were released by Kensington Palace a year ago today, saw Charlotte enjoying family life at her home. Kate also photographed her daughter with George in her first official photos, and then again when she reached six months of age.

The candid snaps that we see taken by the Duchess of Cambridge are worlds away from the official photographs taken for her brother's second birthday.

When he turned two in 2015 Prince George's official birthday photograph was taken by renowned Italian photographer Mario Testino taken at the christening of Princess Charlotte.  

In the photo the young prince, now three, can be seen grinning cheekily in his father’s arms in the gardens at Sandringham House, the Queen’s private residence in Norfolk. 

Princess Charlotte will turn two on May 2nd and is expected to spend the day at her home surrounded by family.

It's the family's last summer in Anmer Hall before they swap Norfolk for London to take up permanent roles as full-time royals, so they will no doubt want to make the most of the beautiful surrounding countryside. 

Expected to be a low key affair, celebrations are anticipated to include a small family party expected to be organised by her parents.

Both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Charlotte's uncle, Prince Harry, have been spared from official engagements tomorrow.

It is unlikely that we will see her grandfather Prince Charles at Charlotte's birthday as he is expected to continue his stay in Scotland this week. 

Children's party planner Antonia Voss has revealed to FEMAIL what she predicts from the princess' second birthday celebrations. 

 

Two is such a lovely age as children are old enough to really understand and enjoy their big day,' Antonia Voss tells FEMAIL.

 

'Given that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge like to dress their children in classic pieces, I would imagine they might want to mark their daughter’s birthday with a party that is timeless and lots of fun for all.' 

Antonia believes the Cambridges may also opt for a teddy bears' picnic-themed party - weather permitting - with plenty of cakes, jelly and ice cream.

But given the little Princess' love for animals, she might prefer an wildlife-themed party.

'A professionally-run petting zoo with lambs, chicks and rabbits, tractor rides around the grounds and a puppet theatre complete with hay bale seating could make for a really memorable day,' says Antonia.

When Charlotte's brother George celebrated his second birthday, the Queen and Prince Philip reportedly dropped in from nearby Sandringham - however, the Duke of Edinburgh is expected to host a lunch at Buckingham Palace tomorrow.

Charlotte's first two years have seen her lead a relatively private life spending it away from London in the family's rural Norfolk home to ensure peaceful early years.