Prince George looking 'less shy and more confident' – Royal expert pinpoints why
PRINCE George is looking "more confident", according to a royal expert, after a new picture was released to mark the future king's eighth birthday.
Prince George: Kate Middleton picture marks eighth birthday
Royal author Angela Levin said the young royal, who turns eight today, was looking "less shy" in the sweet snap, taken by Kate. Ms Levin added that the reason could simply be because George "adores" his mother.
The royal biographer tweeted: "It's lovely to see Prince George look less shy and more confident.
"Or is it just because he adores his mum?"
Kate and Prince William marked George's birthday today with the new photo.
In the image, taken by the Duchess of Cambridge in Norfolk earlier this month, the youngster grins for the camera.
George is sitting on the bonnet of a Land Rover Defender in a touching nod to his great-grandfather the late Prince Philip.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who died in April, was known for his love of the cars.
George is casual in a striped polo shirt and blue shorts in the picture.
Kate is a keen amateur photographer and patron of the Royal Photographic Society.
READ MORE: Happy birthday George! Queen leads Royal Family joy with message
The mother-of-three often releases snaps she has taken to celebrate special family occasions such as birthdays.
The Royal Family have also wished George a happy birthday.
The Queen's official Twitter account said: "Wishing Prince George a very happy 8th birthday today!"
Prince Charles and Camilla's Clarence House account added: "A very Happy Birthday to Prince George!".
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The Cambridges also thanked royal fans for their messages on George's birthday.
They tweeted: "Thank you for all your lovely messages on Prince George's eighth birthday!"
Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge was born in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, at 4.24pm on July 22 2013, weighing 8lb 6oz.
Proud new parents William and Kate showed him off to the world on the hospital's steps one day later.
A great-grandchild to the Queen, he will be the 43rd monarch since William the Conqueror obtained the crown of England if, as expected, he follows the reigns of his grandfather the Princes of Wales and then his father William.
George delighted royal fans recently with his appearances during Euro 2020.
The royal youngster joined William and Kate at a number of football games at Wembley.
George, who is third in line to the throne, matched his father in a mini-me suit and tie for the matches.