Kate Middleton releases a handsome new photo of Prince George to mark his eighth birthday

Happy birthday Prince George!

In celebration of the young royal's eighth birthday today, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released a new photo of their eldest son - and he is one handsome young man.

The sweet snaps show the little prince flashing a big smile as he stares into the camera.

According to the royal's official Instagram account, the photo was shot by Kate Middleton.

Wearing a dark blue and orange striped polo shirt with his hair neatly brushed, the birthday boy is looking so grown up.

"Turning eight(!) tomorrow 🥳🎂," reads a caption from Kensington Palace, which was released alongside the photo on social media.

Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge was born in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London in July 2013 and made his first public appearance a day later, when his parents stood on the hospital steps in front of a huge crowd of photographers and camera crews.