A new photograph of Prince George has been issued by Kensington Palace to mark his 12th birthday.

The photo of the smiling prince was published on social media with a message from his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, which read "Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!" alongside a birthday cake emoji.

The picture, with a rural setting and the prince in a countryside-style gilet and wearing a friendship bracelet, was taken in Norfolk earlier this year by photographer Josh Shinner.

George, the elder son of Prince William and Catherine, is second in line to the throne.

A short video clip on social media also showed the prince playing with his younger siblings Charlotte and Louis, before having his birthday photo taken by a wooden gate.

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There has been speculation over where George will go for secondary school next year and whether he will follow in his father's footsteps and go to Eton College, a private school where entry usually begins at the age of 13.

Prince William and Catherine have made efforts to create as much of a normal family life as possible, in their home at Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate.

But his childhood has been within a family living in the public spotlight.

The young prince was seen with his parents at this year's Wimbledon tennis championships and he was on the balcony at Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Colour flypast.

During celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Prince George met veterans at a tea party in Buckingham Palace, hearing their first-hand stories.

He has also been experiencing the highs and lows of being a football supporter, going to see Aston Villa with his father, Prince William.