PORTRAIT OF A PRINCE

As Prince George turns 12, we go inside the world of the young royal – and look at how his parents are balancing the duties of an heir with normal family life

- EMILY NASH

Leaning on a fence in a casual checked shirt and fleece bodywarmer, a friendship bracelet on his left wrist, Prince George looks the picture of fun in the great outdoors.

The image, taken by the photographer Josh Shinner as part of a family photoshoot in Norfolk in April, was shared to mark the young royal's 12th birthday on 22 July.

It was followed by delightful behind-the-scenes footage of George larking around with his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Their fun-loving big brother is seen giggling as he lifts up Louis before the royal siblings walk hand in hand down a track, their wide smiles at full wattage.

Filmed by the Prince and Princess of Wales's social-media team in Norfolk, where the family can fully relax, the clip shows just how close the trio are and how they are enjoying an idyllic childhood despite a tough 18 months in which their mother was treated for cancer. “There’s no jacket and tie; it’s authentic countryside fun,” says royal author Robert Hardman. “It’s nice to see George smiling so much.”

Fellow author Sally Bedell Smith says of the footage: “It really shows the bond in the family. These are children who are enjoying a relatively normal life, spending a lot of time outdoors. Up in Norfolk they can live a pretty normal life – people don’t bother them. Everyone is very protective of them.”

George, who celebrated his birthday on holiday with his family, has more recently been seen in a jacket and tie in the Royal Box at Wimbledon and at Trooping the Colour. At the latter, he was spotted keeping seven-year-old Louis in check as he waved frantically from the balcony at Buckingham Palace, as well as sharing a joke as they sat together for the carriage procession.