Happy 3rd Birthday, Prince George! See The Adorable Photos Released By The Royal Family

Jul 22, 2016 01:22 PM EDT

In honor of Prince George's 3rd birthday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released four adorable shots of the future king once again captivating the world with his charm.

In the series of photos, taken earlier this month by Matt Porteous at the family's country home, the little prince is shown as he stands on a swing, strolls through a field and feeds ice cream to Lupo, the family dog.

"Here are some new photos of Prince George on his 3rd birthday!" Kensington Palace captioned the photos, which were shared via Twitter. "Can't believe it's been three years already! The Duke and Duchess thank everyone for all the lovely birthday messages they have received for Prince George."

Prince George
(Photo : Twitter)
Prince George turned 3 on July 22, 2016

Westminster Abbey also released a photo in honor of the little boy's birthday along with the caption, "The Abbey Bells have begun to ring for the birthday of Prince George of Cambridge."

As of Friday afternoon, each photo had been shared and "liked" thousands of times, with fans extending birthday wishes to George, who is behind his grandfather, Prince Charles, and his father William in the line of succession to the throne.

Prince George
(Photo : Twitter)
Prince George pictured on a swing at the family's country home

While they may have released photos of the little boy to the public, the Cambridges plan to celebrate their son's birthday privately, according to a Kensington Palace statement.

Prince George
(Photo : Twitter)
Prince George

This is not the first time photos of Prince George - full name George Alexander Louis - have fascinated the world. In April, Kensington Palace released an adorable photo of the little boy garbed in his bedtime attire and a robe while he stood in front of one of the world's most powerful couples, U.S. President Barrack Obama and his first lady, Michelle Obama.

Prince George
(Photo : Twitter)
Prince George meets President Obama

A short time earlier, the young prince charmed the world following the release of a  photo of him along with great grandma Queen Elizabeth. The photographer for the shoot was reportedly a bit apprehensive as he was not sure if the prince would behave.

However, after flashing a full smile for the camera, the little prince became the star of the shoot, which included his great grandmother Queen Elizabeth, his grandfather Prince Charles, and his father Prince Williams.

Prince George
(Photo : Twitter)
Prince George pictured with the royal family

Since Prince George's birth on July 22, 2013, variations of the name fit for a king have surged for the first time in decades, notes The Advertiser. Nationally, the name Georgia sits at number 28, while the name Georgina has completely slipped out of the top 100 names.