Royals celebrate Prince George's 2nd birthday

LONDON — Prince George celebrates his second birthday today (July 22) and while he's just a toddler, he's already made an impression as a doting elder brother, a magnet to cameras and even a budding fashion trendsetter.

A new official photograph of Prince George, the first child of Prince William and his wife Kate, has been released by Kensington Palace to mark the occasion. It shows Prince George grinning in his father's arms.

The royal couple is expected to celebrate his birthday privately at Anmer Hall, their country home on Queen Elizabeth II's Sandringham Estate.

Prince George, who is third in line to the throne, has attracted huge media attention since his birth on July 22, 2013. Here's a look at some of the future king's memorable moments:

FIRST WAVE

Despite his tender age, Prince George appears to be getting to grips with facing the media — something that will be a huge part of his life.

When Prince George visited his mother and newborn sister Princess Charlotte in May, he showed a few nerves and gestured for Prince William to pick him up when he saw the crowd of photographers stationed outside the hospital.

But he soon regained his composure, mimicking his father's wave to the cameras. That moment capturing father and son, dressed in matching blue sweaters, attracted almost as much attention as baby Charlotte.

WHAT'S INSIDE THE BABY CARRIAGE?

Prince George again stole the show at Princess Charlotte's christening ceremony, delighting the gathered crowds as he strolled hand in hand with Prince William to the church. He was pictured standing on tiptoes to take a peek at his sister in her baby carriage after her baptism.

Official pictures released by the palace also show Prince George growing into his role as elder brother. The toddler has been pictured cradling Princess Charlotte in his lap, giving her a kiss on her forehead.

FASHIONISTA

His mother, Princess Kate, is known as a fashion trendsetter — and Prince George is now following in her footsteps.

Britain's newspapers have gushed about the "George effect". Whatever he wears can sell out in hours. That includes a pair of navy dungarees he wore for one of his first public appearances, and the Crocs shoes he wore at a charity polo match.

The toddler even made it into GQ magazine's 50 best-dressed men in Britain 2015, together with his granddad, Prince Charles.

MISCHIEF DOWN UNDER

Prince George hasn't always been on best behaviour. On a trip with his parents to a Sydney zoo earlier this year, the prince threatened to grab the ears of a bilby, a rabbit-like endangered marsupial. Presented with a cuddly toy bilby, the nine-month-old grabbed it with delight before immediately flinging it onto the floor.

Prince George also reportedly grabbed a toy from a baby girl and made her cry when Princess Kate met with other new mothers during the royals' trip to New Zealand.

THREE GENERATIONS OF FUTURE KINGS

Prince George marked an early milestone in June when he made his first appearance at the queen's official birthday parade, joining royal family members on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The gathering marked the first time the queen appeared on the balcony together with three future monarchs — her son Charles, grandson William and great-grandson George. AP