Prince George celebrates his seventh birthday today and the royal family marked the special occasion by sharing two new photographs taken by his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge.

The unseen snaps were shared on social media overnight, ahead of George’s birthday today. Both photographs show the third-in-line to the British throne enjoying time outdoors , as he flashes his sweet smile at the camera.

“Sharing a [photo] taken by The Duchess ahead of Prince George’s seventh birthday tomorrow!” a post on the official Kensington Palace Instagram page read.

The eldest of the Cambridge children, Prince George was born on July 22, 2013, in the prestigious Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital, in London. He has two younger siblings, five-year-old Princess Charlotte and two-year-old Prince Louis.

Many royal watchers wished the prince a happy birthday and shared their delight at being treated to some new photographs, particularly as the Cambridge children have not been seen out in public for a number of months due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

“Happy Birthday to our first little Prince who stole our hearts and is not so little anymore! I can’t believe he’s 7 already,” one user wrote on Instagram. Another commented: “Lovely! Looks more like his dad every year! Happy birthday Prince George!”

One royal watcher wrote: “Happy Birthday Prince George! How fast has he grown, I still remember waiting for his birth and watching his parents bring him out for us all to see.” While another said: “So cute!! Happy Birthday to Prince George! It’s been such a pleasure to watch you grow up!”

Prince George has spent the past few months in self-isolation with his parents and siblings at Anmer Hall, the family’s home on the Queen’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Catherine and Prince William have shared several glimpses of their children in recent months, including the release of a series of adorable snaps to mark Louis’ second birthday in April.