Prince George photo is released for his fourth birthday

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For a boy about to say goodbye to his toddler years and whose destiny is to be king, it is a first lesson in royal one-upmanship – and it won't be the last.

After playing second fiddle all week to his younger, dazzling sister Charlotte, Prince George steps into the spotlight for his own close-up. And what a commanding performance he gives.

Today is George's fourth birthday, traditionally a significant milestone along the road from infancy to boyhood. And to mark the occasion a new official photo has been issued by Kensington Palace.