Kensington Palace has released four new portraits of Prince George in celebration of the little boy's third birthday. The future king is pictured in the grounds of his home Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, where he lives with his parents Prince William and Kate and his younger sister Princess Charlotte.
George looks adorable in the new images. One sweet snapshot shows the little Prince barefoot and standing up on a large wooden swing, which has been etched with the names of his parents. Another sees him off on an outdoor adventure and looking very grown up as he walks through the family garden, dressed in a stripey jumper with a whale embroidered on the front.
Prince George seen on a swing in the garden of his family home, Anmer Hall
A third snapshot captures George interacting with dog Lupo on a picnic blanket in the garden, bending down on one knee to thoughtfully offer the family pet some of his ice cream. The fourth photo, a beautiful close-up image of George, was accompanied by a message from William and Kate, which read: "The Duke and Duchess thank everyone for all the lovely birthday messages they have received for Prince George."
While, in the past, keen shutterbug Kate has chosen to release photos of her children that she has taken herself, this time the Duchess called on professional photographer Matt Porteus, who was given the honour of capturing George on his third birthday.
A collection of four photos were released in honour of the Prince's birthday
"I really enjoyed the opportunity to take these photographs of Prince George. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere," Matt commented. "I'm honoured that they have decided to share these images with the public to mark his third birthday."
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It's likely that the Cambridges will celebrate the Prince's birthday in private, at home in Norfolk.
In previous years Kate has organised low-key parties for her children, choosing to invite her nearest and dearest. Her mother Carole Middleton, who owns a party planning business, usually lends a helping hand.
The images were taken by professional photographer Matt Porteous in mid-July
The Duchess may also choose to take the festivities to the beach. At Trooping the Colour in June, Kate revealed to a fellow neighbour that she loves spending time on the coast with her brood.
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"Kate was saying she enjoyed taking the children to the beach," said wellwisher Charles Farrow. "The beaches near us are perfect if you want to be quite quiet."
