Prince Charles shares new photo of him hugging grandson Prince Louis and it will melt your heart

Prince Charles has wished Prince Louis a "very happy" second birthday via social media.

The 71-year-old royal has published a black-and-white image of himself sharing a warm embrace with Prince Louis through Clarence House's official Instagram and Twitter accounts.

The photograph - which was captured by the Duchess of Cambridge - is captioned: "A very Happy Birthday to Prince Louis, who turns two today.

"The young Prince enjoys a hug from his Grandfather, The Prince of Wales. (sic)"

Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have shared the "reality" of Prince Louis' recent birthday photoshoot.

The royal couple - who also have Prince George, six, and Princess Charlotte, four, together - published a series of photographs taken by Duchess Catherine of her youngest son with rainbow-coloured hands to mark his second birthday.

• READ MORE: Three adorable new photos of Prince Louis have been unveiled today to mark his birthday

They subsequently shared more funny images of the tot, featuring the paint smeared on his face, to thank well-wishers for their messages.

One picture featured Louis' paint-covered hands, while the second showed where he'd clutched his cheeks, chin and neck.

The social media post was captioned: "Instagram  Vs Reality

"Thank you for your lovely messages on Prince Louis's second birthday [rainbow emoji] (sic)"

- Bang! Showbiz