Barefoot Prince George celebrates his third birthday today with four stunning new photographs released by Kensington Palace.
The little prince, third in line to the throne, can be seen in two shots playing in casual shorts and a T-shirt at his parents' country home, Anmer Hall, on a swing inscribedwith their names, William and Catherine. It is believed to have been a wedding gift to the couple.
Another equally casual shot shows him cheekily offering an ice cream to the family's dog, spaniel Lupo.
A fourth shows George running through the gardens, this time wearing his favourite Trotters shoes and a jumper.
In recent years the royal household has often issued pictures taken of the Royal children by their keen amateur photographer mother, the Duchess of Cambridge. This time, however, they were taken by a professional photographer, Matt Porteous.
In a statement William and Kate said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to share four new photographs of Prince George to mark his third birthday.
"They were taken by photographer Matt Porteous at their home in Norfolk in mid-July."
Kensington Palace adds: "The Duke and Duchess hope that people will enjoy seeing these new photographs. They would like to thank everyone for all the lovely messages they have received as Prince George celebrates his third birthday".
Photographer Matt Porteous said: "I really enjoyed the opportunity to take these photographs of Prince George. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. I'm honoured that they have decided to share these images with the public to mark his third birthday."
The 3-year-old today enjoyed a birthday party with all the trimmings at the family's Norfolk mansion, Anmer Hall. He was joined by his grandparents, Michael and Carole Middleton, as well as friends from his nearby Montessori School, Westacre.
Fortunately for the mischievous toddler, who is third in line to the throne, granny and grandpa run one of the country's most successful online party goods companies - which helpfully sells a range of 3rd birthday-themed balloons, banners, sparklers and even piñatas - so the day is bound to go with a swing.
Born at the private Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital on July 22, 2013, George was, apparently, quite a handful as a baby and caused the Duke and Duchess endless sleepless nights.
Photo / Supplied
An equally energetic toddler, it seems as if becoming an elder brother to sister Princess Charlotte, 1, has calmed the little prince down somewhat.
Recently Kate described her son as being a "really lovely little boy" and admitted that her daughter may look cute but was developing "quite a feisty side". She even said she hoped that George "would keep Charlotte in order!"
And on a series of recent public engagements, including an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony after Trooping the Colour and a visit to a country air show, the little future king has conducted himself with aplomb.
George's first birthday was marked with a party at their 20-room apartment in Kensington Palace with his great-grandmother, the Queen, as guest of honour, and a tuneful rendition of Happy Birthday by the band of the Irish Guards.
But since then William and Kate have made Anmer their main base and have celebrated all their major family events there.
The 10-bedroom Georgian mansion, which was a gift from the Queen and which underwent a multimillion-pound refit before they moved in, has its own swimming pool and tennis court and is set in acres of glorious parkland.
