Royals celebrate the 2nd birthday of Prince George

Britain’s Prince George being carried by his father, the Duke of Cambridge, as they arrive at the Lindo Wing to visit his mother and newborn baby sister at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west LondoShow more

Prince George celebrates his second birthday on Wednesday and while he’s just a toddler, he’s already made an impression as a doting elder brother, a magnet to cameras and even a budding fashion trendsetter.

A new official photograph of George, the first child of Prince William and his wife Kate, has been released by Kensington Palace to mark the occasion. It shows George grinning in his father’s arms.

The royal couple is expected to celebrate his birthday privately at Anmer Hall, their country home on Queen Elizabeth II’s Sandringham Estate.

George, who is third in line to the throne, has attracted huge media attention since his birth on July 22, 2013. Here’s a look at some of the future king’s memorable moments:

First wave

Despite his tender age, George appears to be getting to grips with facing the media – something that will be a huge part of his life.

When George visited his mother and newborn sister Princess Charlotte in May, he showed a few nerves and gestured for William to pick him up when he saw the crowd of photographers stationed outside the hospital.

But he soon regained his composure, mimicking his father’s wave to the cameras. That moment capturing father and son, dressed in matching blue sweaters, attracted almost as much attention as baby Charlotte.

What’s Inside The Baby Carriage?

George again stole the show at Charlotte’s christening ceremony, delighting the gathered crowds as he strolled hand in hand with William to the church. He was pictured standing on tiptoes to take a peek at his sister in her baby carriage after her baptism.

Official pictures released by the palace also show George growing into his role as elder brother. The toddler has been pictured cradling Charlotte in his lap, giving her a kiss on her forehead.

Fashionista

His mother, Kate, is known as a fashion trendsetter – and George is now following in her footsteps.

Britain’s newspapers have gushed about the “George effect.” Whatever he wears can sell out in hours. That includes a pair of navy dungarees he wore for one of his first public appearances, and the Crocs shoes he wore at a charity polo match.

The toddler even made it into GQ magazine’s “50 best-dressed men in Britain” 2015, together with his granddad, Prince Charles.

Mischief Down Under

George hasn’t always been on best behavior. On a trip with his parents to a Sydney zoo earlier this year, the prince threatened to grab the ears of a bilby, a rabbit-like endangered marsupial. Presented with a cuddly toy bilby, the 9-month-old grabbed it with delight before immediately flinging it onto the floor.

George also reportedly grabbed a toy from a baby girl and made her cry when Kate met with other new mothers during the royals’ trip to New Zealand.

Three Generations Of Future Kings

George marked an early milestone in June when he made his first appearance at the queen’s official birthday parade, joining royal family members on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The gathering marked the first time the queen appeared on the balcony together with three future monarchs – her son Charles, grandson William and great-grandson George.