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Prince George Marvels at Butterflies in Adorable New Birthday Photos With Prince William, Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince George
In honor of Prince George's first birthday, Prince William and Kate Middleton have released two new photos of their son at the butterfly exhibit at the Natural History Museum John Stillwell/PA

Can it be a year already? It seems like just yesterday that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, were outside the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital, debuting their newborn baby boy for all to see. As of Tuesday, July 22, however, Prince George will be 12 months old. In honor of his first birthday, his parents have released two new official photos of the future king from his visit to the Natural History Museum. (Another photo of George walking by himself was revealed on Saturday.)

Related: PHOTOS: Prince George's baby album

The pictures, taken by Press Association staff photographer John Stillwell, show George with his parents at the museum’s “Sensational Butterflies” exhibition on July 2. In the first one, the trio appear to be admiring something off camera. Middleton—gorgeous as always in a Suzannah “Budding Hearts” tea dress in emerald matte silk crepe and Annoushka pearl and diamond earrings—holds her dungaree-clad son in her arms, as he reaches out toward the unseen object of their attention. 

Related: PHOTOS: Kate, William, and George's Australia tour

In the second portrait, all three royals sit together on a bench, marveling at a Brazillian Blue Morpho butterfly perched atop Prince William’s knuckles. George, seated in the Duchess’ lap, looks to be trying to touch the winged creature without scaring it away.

prince george **EMBARGOED UNTIL 5:30 PM**
John Stillwell/PA

“He was very lively, very confident, and very sure of himself,” Stillwell told Us Weekly of the little prince. “He’s a very determined young boy. And who does he look like? I’d have to say his dad, William.”

The Duke and Duchess, both 32, had been invited to the exhibit by the National History Museum, of which Middleton is a patron. A source told Us they decided to take Prince George there for his birthday—one of many little celebrations the couple has planned in his honor. They’re also throwing a party on his actual birthday, with members of both the royal and Middleton families. 

Related: PHOTOS: The Duchess' style evolution

Additionally, Buckingham Palace will open a “Royal Childhood” exhibition, featuring toys and outfits belonging to British royal children over the past 250 years. Among the items included is a christening gift for Prince George from President Barack Obama and his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama.

Of course, the Obamas aren’t Prince George’s only fans. In a statement released to the public on Monday, July 21, the Duke and Duchess expressed their gratitude for all the love and support they’d been given since their son’s birth last July. 

Related: PHOTOS: Royal family baby photos

“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.

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