New Prince George photo celebrates ninth birthday

Prince George poses for his ninth birthday. (Twitter: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)

A new photo of Prince George has been released to celebrate his ninth birthday. 

He is seen smiling in the photo, which was taken by his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge. 

The photo was taken during a family holiday in the UK this month. 

"George is turning 9!" the caption reads along with a birthday cake and balloon emojis.

The post was shared ahead of George's birthday on July 22. 

A great-grandchild of the Queen, he is third in line to the throne. 

Prince William and Kate on the hospital steps showing Prince George off for the first time. (Photo: Reuters/Stefan Wermuth)

Prince George Alexander Louis, known as His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge, was born at St Mary's Hospital in London in 2013. 

Like his father, he has grown up in the spotlight.

Britain's Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte ride in a carriage as they attend the celebration of Britain's Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, on June 2. (Reuters: Henry Nicholls)

Most recently he has been photographed with his parents at the Wimbledon men's singles final and celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

George is expected to be the 43rd monarch one day. 

The family sat in the royal box at Wimbledon for the men's final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios. (Reuters: Hannah Mckay)

ABC/Reuters