Happy Birthday Prince George!

Clarence House has released two adorable new photos of Prince George to mark his first birthday. Source: Getty Images

To mark the first birthday of Prince George, Kensington Palace has released two new family photographs of the third in line to the throne with his parents, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Prince George can be seen pointing and staring intently at a butterfly which has landed on his father’s hand as his proud mother cradles him.

GALLERY: The many faces of Prince George

The photos were taken by UK Press Association photographer, John Stillwell during a visit to the "Sensational Butterflies" exhibition at the Natural History Museum with his parents

Prince William and Kate also issued a statement thanking the public for the many presents, cards and letters they have received since their son’s birth on July 22, 2013.

GALLERY: Wills & George's sweetest moments

"We would like to take this opportunity on George’s first birthday to thank everyone over the last year, wherever we have met them, both at home and overseas, for their warm and generous good wishes to George and our family," they said.

The royal couple were adamant that one of their patronages would benefit from the occasion which is why they chose the Natural History Museum, of which Kate is a patron, and their pop-up tropical house, full of live, free-flying butterflies and moths for their photo shoot.

The photographs were taken by UK Press Association photographer, John Stillwell during a visit to the "Sensational Butterflies" exhibition at the Natural History Museum. Source: Getty Images

GALLERY: The fabulous life of Prince George

The exhibition, which runs until September was opened up especially for the royal family for their photo shoot which took place earlier this month.

GALLERY: Royal Tour style file

Director of the Natural History Museum, Sir Michael Dixon said of the young family's visit: "It was a real pleasure to host our Patron and her family earlier this month. They seemed to enjoy their visit, wandering through the tropical plants as brightly coloured butterflies took flight around them.

"It was delightful to see Prince George’s first experience of the Natural History Museum and I look forward to welcoming them again in the future."

Kate wore an $860 tea dress by Suzanna for the occasion which she last wore during the royal tour in New Zealand on April 12.

Subscribe to New Idea and keep up-to-date with all your favourite celebrities, touching real-life stories, delicious recipes and more each week!