Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton threw open the doors to their family home Anmer Hall in Norfolk, to celebrate the second birthday of their little boy Prince George. The royal couple invited about a dozen youngsters to the low-key birthday party on Wednesday afternoon.
The celebrations kicked off at around 4pm, the Express reports, and George's great-grandfather Prince Philip even made a surprise visit.
Last year the 94-year-old was unable to make George's first birthday due to work commitments, but Philip managed to stop by and join his wife the Queen at the party.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince George's mum Kate organised the low-key celebrations
He was pictured arriving at the Georgian country house in a Land Rover and stayed for about half an hour with the children. It is believed that Philip will remain on the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk for a few days.
Although William just started his new job as an air ambulance pilot last week, the doting dad was also given time off to spend the day with his first-born.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe party took place in the royal family's country home Anmer Hall in Norfolk
His wife Kate is said to have planned most of the celebrations, and she was most likely helped by her mother Carole Middleton, who runs a party supplies and decorations business.
It is not yet known whether Kate's siblings Pippa and James Middleton attended although they may have, just like they did last year at George's first birthday.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince William was allowed the day off to be with the little birthday boy
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were unable to attend as they are on an official visit to the West Country, while Prince Harry also missed out because he is in Africa, working on conservation projects.
The intimate party lasted for about an hour and a quarter before guests bid farewell, leaving William and Kate to bond with their birthday boy and their newborn daughter Princess Charlotte.
Celebrations also took place in London at Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey
While the Cambridges were miles away from London, official celebrations were also held in the English capital. At lunchtime the bells at Westminster Abbey pealed, while the Grenadier Guards at Buckingham Palace also played "Happy Birthday" during the Changing of the Guards.
On Wednesday morning a postman was spotted dropping off big parcels and packages at Anmer Hall – presumably gifts for two-year-old George.
