Rare Childhood Photos of JFK Jr. Released

A Look into Camelot

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Earlier this week, the JFK Presidential Library released rare photos from a private weekend with President John F. Kennedy and his family at Camp David in March 1963. Just five months later, the young president would be assassinated in Dallas, leaving behind his wife, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, and young children Caroline, then age 5; and John Jr., 2. The beautiful photos are by White House photographer Robert Knudsen. Click through the gallery to see the images from the weekend.

Photo courtesy of JFK Library

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President John F. Kennedy sat with Under Secretary of the Navy Paul "Red" Fay at Camp David in Frederick County, Md. Fay was there with his daughter Sally.

Photo courtesy of JFK Library

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Two-year-old John F. Kennedy Jr. gets a boost from Under Secretary of the Navy Paul "Red" Fay.

Photo courtesy of JFK Library

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The first family stands next to Caroline's horse, "Macaroni," which was a gift from Vice President Lyndon Johnson.

Photo courtesy of JFK Library

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First Lady Jacqueline, who also was fond of riding, helped young Caroline put the saddle on her horse.

Photo courtesy of JFK Library

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Caroline takes "Macaroni" out for a ride. Neil Diamond has said that seeing how happy the young Caroline was on her horse served as the inspiration for his 1969 hit song "Sweet Caroline."

Photo courtesy of JFK Library

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Sally Fay, daughter of Under Secretary of the Navy Paul "Red" Fay and a friend of the first daughter, sits on Caroline Kennedy's pony. "Macaroni" is wearing a Moroccan saddle, which was presented as a gift for Caroline by King Hassan II of Morocco during his state visit in 1963.

Photo courtesy of JFK Library

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First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy with Caroline Kennedy's Pony "Macaroni." The horse would roam freely on the grounds of the White House during JFK's presidency.

Photo courtesy of JFK Library

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The youngest Kennedy sits at the controls of the Presidential helicopter.

Photo courtesy of JFK Library

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The 2-year-old John Jr. looked adorable in a bright red jacket with sitting in the cockpit of the presidential helicopter.

Photo courtesy of JFK Library

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John Jr. played at the controls of the grounded aircraft. Sadly, John F. Kennedy Jr. lost his life in a plane crash in 1999 along with his wife, Carolyn Bessette, and her sister Lauren, prompting a massive search that ended in another tragedy for the Kennedy family.

Photo courtesy of JFK Library