The Middleton family has reportedly assumed a central role in the raising of Britain's Princess Charlotte.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to her second child with Prince William earlier this month and since then, Carole Middleton - the mother of the Duchess - has been a very supportive figure, the Daily Beast reports.

The situation mirrors the birth of the Duke and Duchess' first baby, Prince George, when the Middletons provided a strong support network for the couple and their newborn child.

Elsewhere, Prince Harry met his niece Princess Charlotte for the first time last week, having been away at military training in Australia.

The prince also recently revealed he'd be happy to see both Prince George and Princess Charlotte pursue a career in the military.

He admitted: "I would definitely encourage [Prince] George, and Charlotte if she wants to, to have some sort of involvement in the Armed Forces, guaranteed.

"And I know that [the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge] would probably echo that as well, depending on the situation for them in those years to come.

"It's done no harm, just good, for me, and I know it's the same for William. It's hard to say anything else on that because, as a parent, it's your choice.

"As an uncle, you know, I would say enjoy the role, because at first it's just pressure, pressure, pressure.

"Just enjoy it and make the most of it. If you're going to be doing it and you're having an effect on so many people then, if you smile, they're smiling - and what's the point of doing such a unique job without enjoying it?"