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New Prince George photographs released to mark his third birthday New Prince George photographs released to mark his third birthday
(35 minutes later)
New photographs of Prince George have been released to mark the third birthday of the third in line to the throne. When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released a series of pictures of their son Prince George to celebrate his third birthday, they could not have anticipated the adverse reaction.
The Queen’s great-grandson is pictured playing in the grounds of his parents’ 10-bedroomed Norfolk mansion, Anmer Hall, in four shots that will undoubtedly trigger huge demand for the clothing companies whose outfits are featured. From the baby blanket he was swaddled in during his first photocall, to the sweaters, shorts and dungarees he has been pictured wearing previously, the so-called “George effect” has seen items sell out within hours. For among the four images released today by Kensington Palace, one showing the barefoot future king appearing to feed his pet spaniel Lupo an ice cream lolly has raised concern from leading animal welfare organisations.
The royal is pictured barefoot in two of the photographs; feeding ice cream to the Cambridges’ pet black spaniel, Lupo, in one; and standing and sitting on a wooden swing, personalised with his parents’ names, William and Catherine, in two others. A fourth shows him walking through the family’s garden. Experts have warned that dogs are allergic to dairy, which can cause digestive problems, and that chocolate is highly toxic to canines. George, third in line to the throne, is photographed holding what appears to be an ice cream lolly covered with white chocolate under Lupo’s nose in the garden of the Cambridges’ 10-bedroom Norfolk mansion, Anmer Hall.
Previous photographs officially released of George have been taken by family members, including his mother, a keen amateur photographer, and maternal grandfather, Michael Middleton. On this occasion, a professional photographer was employed for the photo session which took place in mid-July. The RSPCA, the animal welfare charity, said it did not advise others to follow the youngster’s example. “It is lovely that Prince George is trying to help keep his family dog, Lupo, cool in these high temperatures,” it said. “We would advise people to be cautious when giving their dogs food meant for human consumption as some items, like chocolate, can be highly toxic to dogs and dairy items can be difficult for them to digest. Instead of ice cream we would suggest making an ice lolly from pet friendly ingredients. Making these can be really fund for children and the end product is both safe and enjoyable for dogs.”
The Dogs Trust charity echoed the concern. Its veterinary director, Paula Boyden, said it would “always advocate seeking methods to keep your dog cool, but possibly not in the form of an ice cream, unless it is a dog friendly version”.
“The cows’ milk and sugar content in ice cream can sometimes lead to digestive issues. Whenever you do treat your dog, do consider the ingredients and always seek the advice of your vet,” said Boyden.
The reaction among some Twitter users was less tempered, with some calling for the three-year-old to be arrested for animal cruelty. Prince William is a keen animal conservationist.
The birthday photographs released capture the Queen’s great-grandson at play, and while not on the money for animal welfare campaigners, were certain to give a boost to clothing companies whose outfits feature in the pictures.
From the baby blanket he was swaddled in during his first photo call, to the sweaters, shorts and dungarees he has been pictured wearing since, the so-called “George effect” has previously seen items sell out within hours.
The photographs also show him standing and sitting on a wooden swing, personalised with his parents names, William and Catherine, and walking through the family’s Norfolk garden.
Previous photographs officially released of George have been taken by family members, including his mother, a keen amateur photographer, and maternal grandfather Michael Middleton.
On this occasion, a professional photographer was employed for the photo session which took place in mid-July.
Photographer Matt Porteous said: “I really enjoyed the opportunity to take these photographs of Prince George. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. I’m honoured that they have decided to share these images with the public to mark his third birthday.”Photographer Matt Porteous said: “I really enjoyed the opportunity to take these photographs of Prince George. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. I’m honoured that they have decided to share these images with the public to mark his third birthday.”
A spokesman for Kensington Palace said: “The Duke and Duchess hope that people will enjoy seeing these new photographs. They would like to thank everyone for all the lovely messages they have received as Prince George celebrates his third birthday.”A spokesman for Kensington Palace said: “The Duke and Duchess hope that people will enjoy seeing these new photographs. They would like to thank everyone for all the lovely messages they have received as Prince George celebrates his third birthday.”
George, who attends a nearby Montessori nursery, has been seen recently on public engagements including a Buckingham Palace balcony appearance following trooping the colour where he watched a flypast, and on a visit to a local airshow. The spokesman declined to comment further on chocolate and ice cream.
Any birthday parties for him and his friends are likely to be enhanced with balloons and banners courtesy of his Middleton grandparents who run an online party goods company.