Happy Birthday, Prince George Alexander Louis!

The Prince turns nine today, and a new photo taken by the Duchess of Cambridge has been released to mark the occasion.

The Duchess took the photo earlier this month while the Cambridges were on vacation in the UK.  A statement accompanying the photo notes, “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to share a new photograph of Prince George ahead of his ninth birthday tomorrow.” Below, a side-by-side with last year’s birthday photo and the new picture. 

And headshots from all of the Prince’s birthdays.

On the Buckingham Palace Twitter page, a post marked the occasion with an image from the Platinum Jubilee.

The Clarence House account reposted a Kensington Palace tweet. 

The event was also celebrated musically. 

💂‍♀️Thank you to the @IrishGuardsBand for playing Happy Birthday to mark Prince George’s birthday today!

The Duke of Cambridge is the Colonel of the @irish_guards.

pic.twitter.com/TAV5b0awOu

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 22, 2022

Many found a strong resemblance to Prince William in the new image.

Prince George channels Prince William in 9th birthday portrait. pic.twitter.com/eaHhOozDjK

— Access Hollywood (@accesshollywood) July 22, 2022

It has been a delight seeing the Prince attending more engagements this past year.  Below you see him with his parents at a February rugby match. 

At Prince Philip’s Service of Thanksgiving in March, with his parents and sister, Princess Charlotte.

Walking to Easter church services in April. 

At a special Platinum Jubilee Trooping the Colour in June, we saw the Cambridge children riding in the carriage procession for the first time.

The Prince having some fun at Trooping the Colour.

One more photo from the Queen’s Birthday Parade.

Also during the Jubilee weekend, a visit to Wales. 

Photos were released during the Jubilee weekend showing the Cambridge children baking with their mother. 

Prince George and Princess Charlotte attended the Platinum Jubilee Party at the Palace concert.

Another image from the concert. 

The next day, the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

One more photo from the Pageant.

After the Pageant, an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Another first for the Prince this year, Wimbledon. 

The Prince reacts to play during the Gentlemen’s Finals Match.

Sharing a laugh with his mother. 

I bet most readers remember precisely where they were nine years ago when the Prince was born.

Happy Birthday, Prince George! 

The family has a busy autumn ahead with a move to Windsor and all three children starting at a new school.  More from this Evening Standard story.

After months of speculation, it’s been confirmed that the Cambridges will be moving to the Windsor Estate this summer, taking up residence in the modest four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage, just a 10-minute walk from the Queen’s private apartments. The big move is said to have been triggered by William’s milestone birthday, as well as the fact that the Cambridges are keen to have more space for the kids — the family has been spotted happily frolicking in the bucolic Windsor grounds on weekends recently, with their pet Spaniel Orla in tow. 

Another photo from the Jubilee Pageant. 

More from this Telegraph story.

The move will take them closer to the Duchess’s family in Bucklebury, Berkshire, as well as being within walking distance of the Queen, 96. The vast Windsor estate will give the children more scope to play, ride horses and walk their dog in privacy.

The young royal and future king turns nine on Friday and, according to reports, will start at Lambrook School, in Ascot, near Windsor Castle, later this year. For the first time, Prince Louis, four, will join Prince George, nine and Princess Charlotte, seven, as they don their uniforms ready to embark on a new school year.

Also today, some updates to Kate’s Calendar. 

JULY 

• Sunday, July 31: In her role as patron of the 1851 Trust, the Duchess will be in Plymouth for Sail GP.  She will meet with young people participating in the Trust’s activities to promote sustainability.  She will also join the British team aboard their F50 foiling catamaran in a friendly ‘Commonwealth Race’ against their New Zealand rivals.  “With Sir Ben Ainslie at the helm, The Duchess will become a member of the British crew, working with the rest of the team to race the boat at speeds of up to 50 knots (more than 55 mph) against a skilled New Zealand team.” 

AUGUST

• Tuesday, August 2: The Duke and Duchess, together with The Earl and Countess of Wessex, will attend the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.