Prince William and his wife Kate have released new photos of their son, Prince George, to mark his 3rd birthday.

The photos distributed Friday show George, who is third in line to the throne, playing on a swing and sitting with the family pet, a dog named Lupo.

The four photos were taken earlier this month at the family's country home.

A palace statement said William and Kate hope people will enjoy the new photographs taken by Matt Porteous.

George is behind his grandfather, Prince Charles, and his father William in the line of succession.