The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have delighted royal fans by sharing a Christmas card featuring their two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte – but there is no sign of Kate's baby bump as the family expect their third child.

Kensington Palace released the new snap today (18 December), taken by royal photographer Chris Jackson. It shows the happy family dressed in colour-coordinated smart outfits of powder blue, navy and white.

The Palace wrote alongside the picture: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased to share a new photograph of their family. The image features on Their Royal Highnesses' Christmas card this year. The photograph was taken earlier this year by @ChrisJack_Getty at Kensington Palace."

Kate, 35, is her typical stylish self in a blue peplum belted skirt suit by the late Diana's go-to designer, Catherine Walker, but there is no sign of her burgeoning bump despite expecting a third prince or princess in April 2018. Kate is expected to give birth just one month before her brother-in-law Prince Harry's wedding day to Meghan Markle on 19 May.

One follower replied: "What a beautiful family!!!! I love them so much ".

As another put: "So sweet family portrait! Children look so adorable! Wish you a Merry Christmas and gorgeous New Year!"

The latest photo comes as the palace announced that Charlotte, two, will be attending nursery in the new year.

They tweeted: "Their Royal Highnesses have also announced this morning that Princess Charlotte will attend the Willcocks Nursery School in London from January 2018."

Adding: "The Willcocks Nursery School has said: 'We are delighted that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen the Willcocks Nursery School for Princess Charlotte. We look forward to welcoming Charlotte to our nursery in January.'"

It marks a new chapter for doting parents William and Kate, who saw their eldest George begin school at Thomas's in Battersea earlier this year.

Clarence House also unveiled this year's official Christmas card from Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, today.

A statement via Twitter read: "Here is this year's official Christmas card from The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. The photograph was taken by Hugo Burnand at Highgrove in July during the private 70th Birthday party of The Duchess of Cornwall."

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Prince William pictured with Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte Getty