Prince George celebrates his third birthday: Stunning new pictures released to mark the occasion

ew pictures showing Prince George at play on a swing and with the family dog Lupo have been released by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to mark their son's third birthday.

William and Kate thanked well-wishers for messages of support they have received marking their eldest child's milestone on Friday.

Four images have been issued by the royal couple showing the young prince in the grounds of their Norfolk home Anmer Hall.

George in three of the pictures is wearing a striped blue T-shirt and dark blue shorts - which are likely to sell out almost immediately.

In the fourth picture, where he has been captured walking, the young prince is wearing a striped jumper with the image of a whale on the front, beige shorts and dark trainer-style footwear.

The young prince in the grounds of the Duke and Duchess's Norfolk home CREDIT: MATT PORTEOUS/PA

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "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."

The first of the pictures, taken in mid-July by photographer Matt Porteous, show George standing barefoot on a swing, which has been carved with the names of his parents, "William & Catherine".

Prince George standing barefoot on a swing in the grounds of Anmer Hall CREDIT: MATT PORTEOUS/PA

In another image, he is sitting on the swing looking straight at the camera.

Prince George sitting on a swing looking at the camera as he celebrates his birthday CREDIT: MATT PORTEOUS/PA

In the third, the prince is shown walking and in the final image he is sitting on a rug with the family pet Lupo as he offers the dog a taste of his ice cream.

The cocker spaniel is a strain of the breed traditionally bred for work as a gundog - and they can cause havoc around the house.

Mr 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."

Prince George is likely to mark the milestone with a party with proud parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosting the event.

The prince is known for his boundless energy and inquisitive mind, with Kate describing her eldest child as "a really lovely little boy".