In pictures: William and Kate left holding the baby

PRINCE William and Kate Middleton cradled a couple’s baby as they celebrated the achievements of a group of polar trekkers last night.

The Duke of Cambridge held the infant - the son of one of the adventurers - in the crook of his right arm.

The Royal couple were attending a reception held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London to mark the achievements of a group of British soldiers who recreated the famous Scott-Amundsen race to the South Pole.

He was joined by Kate, who, when she chatted to the baby’s parents, Vic and Hanna Vicary, separately from her husband, described their son as “very cute”.

Hugo Eric Scott, dressed in a Superman romper suit, was born three weeks ago today and his name features tributes to both Mr Vicary’s father who died in March and the famous British polar explorer.

Mr Vicary, 41, from Cornwall, a Warrant Officer Second Class with the Rifles, trekked to the South Pole in the footsteps of Captain Scott, with a team led by Warrant Officer Mark Langridge.

Another group of soldiers took on the role of the Amundsen team and, just like the original race staged 100 years ago, the men following the route taken by the famous Norwegian adventurer reached the South Pole first.