Happy 3rd birthday, Prince Julian! Princess Sofia of Sweden and Prince Carl Philip celebrate their 'beloved' youngest son's milestone

Princess Sofia of Sweden and her husband Prince Carl Philip have shared a sweet new portrait of their youngest son Prince Julian to mark his third birthday.

Sharing the image to their official Instagram account, the royal couple wrote when translated to English: 'Today we celebrate 3 years with you beloved Julian.'

In the adorable picture, Julian, dressed in a giraffe-themed jumper, smiles at the camera while sitting behind a yellow cake, featuring a candle shaped in the number three.

The proud parents also today took to their Instagram Stories to share a clip of the youngster looking fascinated by the smoke flying away after he blew out his birthday candle. 

Julian, the youngest of the eight grandchildren of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, had his blonde locks combed into a side parting for the occasion.

Princess Sofia of Sweden and her husband Prince Carl Philip have shared a sweet new portrait of their youngest son Prince Julian to mark his third birthday

The Swedish royals share snaps of their family on Instagram to mark important occasions, such as birthdays, which often delights fans.

Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip's third son was born on March 26, 2021, at a hospital in Greater Stockholm. 

Taking to social media soon after, Princess Sofia wrote: 'Life has given me not just one but four beautiful princes. 

'A heartfelt thank you from us for all the warm congratulations in connection with Julian's birth.'  

Last year, Princess Sofia and her husband Prince Carl Philip shared a sweet family photograph as they celebrated the arrival of summer.

The image, shared to Instagram, pictured the proud parents with their three children, Prince Alexander, seven, Prince Gabriel, six, and their youngest Prince Julian.

'Summer greetings from us', the caption read when translated to English.

The family-of-five was dressed down for the summer snap, with Alexander and Gabriel both sporting pastel T-shirts and neutral shorts, and Julian wearing denim dungaree shorts and a white top.

The proud parents also today took to their Instagram Stories to share a clip of the youngster looking fascinated by the smoke flying away after he blew out his birthday candle

Last year, Princess Sofia and her husband Prince Carl Philip shared a sweet family photograph as they celebrated the arrival of summer 

Looking away from the camera, the youngest royal sat on his mother's lap, while his father was positioned beside Princess Sofia, with Alexander and Gabriel posing on a wooden chair between their parents.

Make-up free Sofia looked as equally low-key as her sons; she opted for a pink patterned outfit, kept her straight hair down and sported a colourful bracelet on her wrist.

Her husband - who is the only son of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, and is currently fourth-in-line to the Swedish throne - appeared casual in a white T-shirt and grey shorts.

In 2019, King Carl XVI Gustaf decided that Princess Sofia's sons, as well as those of Prince Carl Philip's sister Princess Madeline, will not have HRH titles.

Although they will still go by prince and princesses they will not receive taxpayer funds.

In 2019, King Carl XVI Gustaf decided that Princess Sofia's sons, as well as those of Prince Carl Philip's sister Princess Madeline, will not have HRH titles. Pictured,  Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia in May 2023

At the time of the announcement Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip said it would allow their children to have more freedom when they get older. 

When asked by Royal Central if she had ever considered stepping back from royal life, Sofia said: 'No. Not really. I think I have found such a fantastic balance, and I really see it as positive that I have made it through these stormy years. 

'It is such a huge advantage, in that we have the opportunity to stand a little in both worlds.' 

During the pandemic Princess Sofia undertook a three-day medical course at Sophiahemmet University College in Stockholm, where she is an honorary chair member.

This meant she was able to assist with healthcare work. Photos surfaced of her scrubbed in and posing with other staff members, who worked at the Sophiahemmet hospital.