Brand new photo of Prince George released on his birthday and everyone’s saying the same thing

Prince William and Kate Middleton have just released their eldest son Prince George's royal portrait photo to celebrate his 12th birthday.

Earlier this year, royal fans watched on as the parents shared on social media birthday portraits for their second child, Princess Charlotte, 10, and their youngest, seven-year-old Prince Louis.

People were quick to notice that in Charlotte's birthday portrait, which was uploaded early in May, that she was the spitting image of her father - something which people echoed after seeing George's 11th birthday portrait from last year. Others were stunned by just how big little Louis had gotten with his birthday portrait posted 23rd April.

And now, after waiting a whole year for the second in line to the throne's latest birthday snap, it's finally arrived.

William and Kate captioned the post: "Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George! [birthday cake emoji]."

After catching a glimpse of the snap, fans couldn't wait to rush to social media to share their thoughts with many revealing they can't believe he's 12 years old!

One Instagram user penned: "Happy Birthday!! Can’t believe he’s 12!"

"Happy Birthday to our little (not so little anymore) Future King!" beamed a second.

A third chimed in: "Happy 12th Birthday Prince George, hope you have the best day!"

"Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George! It feels like just yesterday he was a toddler," gushed a fourth, while a fifth chirped: "How is he 12 already?????"

Another joked: "Happy Birthday. Please stop growing up so fast!"

And a final Instagram user echoed: "Happy birthday Prince George you look so grown up!"

But why do members of the royal family share official portraits on birthdays?

Well, simply put, royal birthdays are a big deal in the UK and are considered national events, especially for senior royals like the monarch, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children.

The long-standing tradition of sharing portraits allows the public to take part in the celebration and maintain a personal connection with the royals as well as serving as a historical record, documenting each royal’s life over the years - sort of like how presidential portraits mark time and service in office.

Now, if the royal family follows tradition, George could be forced to travel separately on royal visits and tours.

The reason behind the tradition is because William is the first in line to the throne and the rules would mean that the two royal members in succession can't be together.

It was put in place in case the worst should happen and a plane crashed, and would mean an heir to the throne is protected and keeps the monarchy stable.