The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released a series of new photographs of Prince Louis, to mark the occasion of his second birthday on Thursday, April 23.

The four photographs were released on social media on Wednesday evening, ahead of Louis’ special day. They were taken by his mother Catherine, most likely in the grounds of Anmer Hall, Norfolk, where the family of five have been self isolating amid the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.

In the images, Louis looks remarkably grown up and bears a striking resemblance to his older brother Prince George. Wearing a blue checked button-up shirt, the toddler can be seen smiling broadly and reaching towards the camera in the first image, with brightly coloured paint all over his hands.

The second image shows the prince’s artwork, a rainbow-coloured hand print in support of the National Health Service, while the remaining two images show Louis’ more playful side as he holds his hands up beside his head and laughs during the photoshoot with his mum.

“Sharing a sneak peek of Prince Louis’s handiwork ahead of his second birthday!” a post alongside the images read. “We are pleased to share images ahead of Prince Louis’s second birthday tomorrow, taken by The Duchess this April.”

Many royal followers wished the prince a happy birthday, with one writing: “He’s so adorable!!! Happy birthday Prince Louis!!!” Another commented: “Adorable, HRH Prince Louis! Wishing him the best!” While another said: “Happy birthday Lou Lou! He is such a big boy now!!”

While others couldn’t believe how much he now looks like his big brother Prince George, six, with one person saying: “He looks like George!” Another commented: “He looks just like George!”

Louis’ birthday is just two days after the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, who turned 94 on Tuesday. Many members of the royal family shared birthday messages for the queen on social media, including Catherine and William who shared a photograph of themselves with the monarch to mark the special day.