Prince George poses in beaming portrait taken by Kate Middleton ahead of eighth birthday

Prince George is smiling from ear-to-ear in a new portrait taken by Kate Middleton ahead of his eighth birthday, and it has an adorable tribute to Prince Philip.

Happy birthday Prince George!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s eldest son, Prince George, turns eight tomorrow, and as per tradition the royal family has released an adorable portrait for the milestone.

The future King of England and third in line to the throne is beaming in the photo, which was taken by his mother Kate Middleton at the family’s country property in Norfolk.

George is wearing a navy polo shirt with orange stripes as he sits on the bonnet of a car, which appears to pay subtle tribute to his late grandfather, Prince Philip, who died aged 99 in April.

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Prince George will celebrate his eighth birthday tomorrow, and is seen in this new portrait taken by his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge. Picture: The Duchess of Cambridge

The young royal is perched on a Land Rover Defender, which was the car of choice for Philip whose casket was carried on a custom version of the vehicle at his funeral in April.

Kensington Palace posted the photo on Twitter ahead of George’s big day, writing, “Turning eight (!) tomorrow,” with a birthday cake emoji.

The Duchess of Cambridge is a well-known keen photographer, and takes the official birthday portraits for her three children including George, Princess Charlotte, 6, and Prince Louis, 3, every year.

Fans also noticed George is increasingly bearing a striking resemblance to his father, Prince William.

Prince George at 8. Picture: PA/AAP

Prince William at the same age. Picture: Tim Graham/Getty Images

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Happy Birthday Prince George, he really is his fathers son ❤️#WeLovePrinceGeorgepic.twitter.com/AcUMwCO0u2

— Kayla Adams (@KaylaAdams___) July 21, 2021

Prince William, The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George all pictured around their 8th birthday 💫 pic.twitter.com/Q007DwsUUc

— CoutureAndRoyals (@CoutureRoyals) July 21, 2021

After limited appearances during the Covid-19 pandemic last year, George made headlines recently, attending two football matches with his parents, including the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium in London.

He was seen cheering proudly on his home side at the final last week, in which England was ultimately defeated by Italy.

The Prince had reportedly begged his parents to attend the match, inheriting a love of footy from his dad.