Prince George celebrates his third birthday

Kensington Palace has released never-before-seen images of birthday boy Prince George.

The popular prince was pictured at his parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge William and Kate's Norfolk family home as part of his 3rd birthday celebrations.

Birthday boy Prince George. Source: Kensington Palace
Birthday boy Prince George. Source: Kensington Palace

The portraits, taken by Matt Porteous, show the chubby cheeked Prince playing on a wooden swing with his parents' names carved in the seat.

There's also a happy snap of Prince George sharing his food with the family's pet dog Lupo.

Prince George and his furry friend Lupo. Source: Kensington Palace
Prince George and his furry friend Lupo. Source: Kensington Palace

"The Duke and Duchess thank everyone for all the lovely birthday messages they have received for Prince George," Kensington Palace said in a statement.

His parents said they "can't believe" it's been three years since George's birth at St Mary's Hospital in London.

Birthday boy Prince George. Source: 7News
Birthday boy Prince George. Source: 7News

Prince George, who is third in line to succeed his paternal great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth, is now a big brother to sister Charlotte who was born in 2015.

Birthday boy Prince George. Source: 7News
Birthday boy Prince George. Source: 7News