Charlotte, six, was snapped holding a Red Admiral in her hands close to the family's home of Anmer Hall. Other pictures released yesterday on the royal couple's social media sites and taken by the Duchess include close-ups of Peacock butterflies on a spray of lilac.

       Charlotte was taking part in the annual Big Butterfly Count run by the charity Butterfly Conservation, which ends today. The Duke and Duchess wrote: "We wanted to share these beautiful Peacock and Red Admiral butterflies as part of Big #ButterflyCount initiative taking place across the UK.

       "Butterfly Conservation are encouraging us all to count these incredible creatures because not only are they beautiful creatures to be around but they are also extremely important.

       "Hopefully you can beat last year's total @savebutterflies!"

       Wildlife expert and TV presenter Chris Packham promoted the Butterfly Count when it was launched last month and said: "Join us in getting out for the count. We need as many of you as possible to make it a success."

       The charity added: "Taking part in the count is like checking to see how nature is doing in your part of the UK, so by looking out for butterflies and moths you're helping us in our conservation efforts!"

       Yesterday the charity said: "Please get involved, it only takes 15 minutes to make a real difference."

       Participants can submit sightings of butterflies during the count period via the charity's app.

       Conservationists fear numbers will be badly hit this year with a warm April followed by a cold snap in May and a washout summer having a big impact on the species.