New photo of Prince George taken by the Duchess of Cambridge for his ninth birthday

Prince George of Cambridge is celebrating his ninth birthday today, July 22.

To mark the happy occasion, a new photo of the future King has been shared by Kensington Palace.

The portrait was taken by the Duchess of Cambridge during a family holiday in the UK earlier this year.

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In a statement the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said they were "delighted" to share the photo of their eldest son.

The photo appears to have been taken by the seaside in Norfolk, close to the Cambridge country home Anmer Hall.

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In 2021 the Cambridges shared a video for their 10th wedding anniversary, filmed at Holkham Beach, a stone's throw from the Queen's Sandringham estate and Anmer Hall.

The beach has long been a favourite of the royal family's, with home videos of the Queen and her children taken at the popular spot over the years.

Kate's latest photo of her son follows others she has taken of her children on special occasions, including their birthdays, the beginning of school and other family events.

It's not known how the little prince will celebrate his ninth birthday but he and his family are believed to be still on their summer break.

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The Cambridges were seen boarding a helicopter in the grounds of Kensington Palace last week, including their dog Orla.

Their destination is unknown but they often have part of the summer break in Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, before spending time with the Queen at Balmoral Castle in Scotland in August.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte, seven, finished up the school year at Thomas's Battersea a fortnight ago, while Prince Louis, four, finished his time at Willcocks Nursery School a week earlier.

Prince George Alexander Louis is the eldest of the three Cambridge children.

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He was born on July 22, 2013, inside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London.

George made his first public appearance a day later in the arms of his mother as they left the hospital.

Barely a month later, he was photographed with his parents in the grounds of their backyard in a portrait taken by Kate's dad, Michael.

He was christened in the Chapel Royal in St James's Palace in London on October 23, 2013, and months later embarked on his very first overseas tour.

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Prince George was the star of Prince William and Kate's tour of Australia and New Zealand in April 2014, with his memorable meeting with a bilby at Taronga Zoo in Sydney one of the highlights.

Since then Prince George has joined his parents on a few other overseas visits, including to Canada, with that likely to increase in the coming months.

In the past year, Prince George's official duties have increased significantly as he trains for his eventual role as King after his grandfather Prince Charles and father.

Most recently he sat between his parents in the Royal Box at Wimbledon for the men's singles final, dressed in a suit, and was front and centre during celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.

To see more highlights from Prince George's life, continue with the gallery below.