Playful new photographs released to mark Prince George's third birthday

The British royal family have released new photos of Prince George as they mark the third-in-line to the throne's third birthday.

The four images were published to Kensington Palace's social media feeds and showcase the more relaxed style of portrait photography adopted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

While many of the images of Prince George and his sister Charlotte released in the past have been taken by their mother, a keen amateur photographer, the images released today were taken by professional photographer Matt Porteous and showcase the cheeky young prince playing outside at the family's home in Norfolk, Anmer Hall.

In one image, a barefoot Prince George is seen playfully offering the family's spaniel, Lupo, a lick of his ice cream on a mid-July summer's day.

In another, he is seen standing barefoot on a swing inscribed with the names of his parents, William and Catherine.

"Can't believe it's been three years already," Kensington Palace wrote in one caption.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to share four new photographs of Prince George to mark his third birthday.

"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."