[15:28] Prince George of Cambridge talks to Queen Elizabeth
Prince George of Cambridge talks to Queen Elizabeth outside the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate for the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge on July 5, 2015 in King's Lynn, England. Reuters/Chris Jackson/Pool

Ahead of the anticipated second birthday of Prince George on July 22, Kensington Palace has released through social media a never-before-seen photo of the toddler. The prince’s portrait was reportedly captured during the recent christening of Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.

Kensington Palace on Tuesday, July 21, shared through its official Twitter page a portrait of Prince George with his father, the Duke of Cambridge Prince William. The little prince is all smiles in the photo as he leans towards the camera with his toothy grin. Kensington Palace captioned the image, “Look who's turning two tomorrow!” along with the hash tag #HappyBirthdayPrinceGeorge.

According to Mirror UK, the portrait was taken by official photographer Mario Testino during the christening of Prince George’s sister, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, at St. Mary Magdalene Church on July 5. The photo is believed to be one of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s favourite photos taken by Testino during the baptism.

A spokesperson for Kensington Palace says the portrait holds a very personal meaning for the royal couple as it “captures a very happy moment on what was a special day for The Duke and Duchess and their family.” The spokesman adds Prince William and Kate Middleton “are very pleased to share” Prince George’s portrait in celebration of his second birthday.

The royals have often taken to Twitter to share with its 550, 000 followers some official news and photos of their family. Prince George’s photo was released after Kensington Palace had announced ahead that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be sharing a special portrait of the prince for his second birthday.

The portrait is said to be the only glimpse royal watchers will have of the prince for his second birthday. Prince George will reportedly be spending the occassion privately with his family at their Norfolk home in Anmer Hall.

According to Mirror UK, only close friends and family are expected to attend. Unfortunately, the monarch Queen Elizabeth II, will not be able to attend her grandson's second birthday. Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles will reportedly also be absent since they have prior engagements to attend to in the west country.

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