Family photographs of The Earl and Countess of Wessex with Lady Louise Windsor

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE EARL AND COUNTESS OF WESSEX

A set of official photographs to mark the birth of Lady Louise Windsor is being released for first publication on Saturday, 10 January 2004. A further three photographs will be released for publication on Sunday, 11 January 2004.

The family photographs were taken by The Duke of York at Sandringham over the Christmas holiday.

One image will be available free to members of the media via the Press Association. All profits made from the sale of the other photographs will go to The Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust.

The Trust, founded in June 1999, is a grant-making trust. Its primary aim is to assist other registered charities and charitable causes, in particular those with which The Earl and Countess have personal connections or interests.

The Trust is particularly interested in supporting projects which provide opportunities to help, support and advance young people. It meets twice a year to consider new applications and review progress from previous recipients.

Since 1999, the Trust has made grants totalling £537,265 to a total of 77 charities. Of these charities, 51 were located in England, 20 in other parts of the UK and 6 overseas.