Prince George poses for Mother's Day photo with William and Kate

 

 

Eight-month-old royal appears in informal picture at Kensington Palace ahead of tour of New Zealand and Australia

• Press Association

• theguardian.com, Sunday 30 March 2014 10.04 BST

William and Kate pictured with Prince George (and spaniel) at Kensington Palace ahead of their tour of Australia and New Zealand. Photograph: Getty Images

Prince George of Cambridge shows how much he has grown in a new official family photograph released on Mother's Day.

The eight-month-old royal, who is third in line to the throne, is the centre of attention in a blue jumper emblazoned with his name in the informal shot taken at Kensington Palace.

Looking like he is growing fast as he is held by a smiling Duchess of Cambridge, the future king seems to have eyes only for the family's pet cocker spaniel, Lupo, who is held by the duke.

The duke and duchess have chosen to release the informal image ahead of their tour of New Zealand and Australia, which begins next month.

The photograph shows the Cambridges casually dressed as they lean on the sill of an open window at their apartment in London. The couple moved into the property, which had been the home of Princess Margaret, late last year after it had been refurbished.

Celebrity portrait photographer Jason Bell, who took the picture a few weeks ago, was also the official photographer for George's christening last October. Bell is renowned for his images of Hollywood stars and rock and pop legends including Sir Paul McCartney, actor Scarlett Johansson and former England footballer David Beckham.