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Happy Prince George Day, everyone!
To mark the future king‘s third (yes, third!) birthday on Friday, his parents Princess Kate and Prince William released a new set of photos, as they did for his little sister Princess Charlotte‘s first birthday in May.
“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,” a Kensington Palace spokesman says
One snap shows George feeding the family dog, Lupo, ice cream in the garden.
Recent but undated handout photo issued on Friday July 22, 2016 by William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, of Britain’s Prince George with the family dog Lupo, at Sandringham in Norfolk, England. Prince George celebrates his third birthday on July 22, 2016. (Matt Porteous/Handout via AP)
Recent but undated handout photo issued on Friday July 22, 2016 by William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, of Britain’s Prince George at Sandringham in Norfolk, England, who celebrates his third birthday on July 22. (Matt Porteous/Handout via AP)
In another, the barefoot future king stands on a swing dedicated to his parents “William & Catherine.” A similar shot shows chubby-cheeked George looking directly into the camera.
The fourth photo in the adorable series is a snap of the little royal in the garden in a natty polo shirt and sweater with a whale on the front.
“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,” says photographer Matt Porteous.
The toddler prince is expected to celebrate with a tea party at his family’s country home, Anmer Hall.
Recent but undated handout photo issued on Friday July 22, 2016 by William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, of Britain’s Prince George at Sandringham in Norfolk, England, who celebrates his third birthday on July 22. (Matt Porteous/Handout via AP)
It’s been a big year for the adorable heir to the throne. He started preschool in January at Westacre Montessori school, had a historic meeting with President Obama in April and appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour alongside Charlotte in June.
Earlier this month the airplane-loving boy joined his parents on one of their official outings to see planes and helicopters up close at an air show.