LONDON • Britain's royal family has released the first two official photographs of newly born Prince Louis, one of which shows him being held by his sister, Princess Charlotte, aged three.

Louis, who is fifth in line to the British throne, was born on April 23 weighing 3.83kg.

Both the photographs released yesterday were taken at Kensington Palace by Kate, the children's mother and wife of Prince William, Queen Elizabeth's grandson.

The first photo, which the palace said was taken on April 26, shows Louis propped up against a white cushion, wearing a white jumper and trousers.

The second photo, taken on May 2, Charlotte's third birthday, shows the princess holding her sleeping younger brother affectionately.

Due to a 2013 change in the law, Charlotte is the first British princess for whom the arrival of a younger brother does not mean she is being demoted down the line of succession.

Palace officials said that Louis would not join the rest of his family at the May 19 wedding of his uncle, Prince Harry, to US actress Meghan Markle.

REUTERS