"This photograph captures a very happy moment on what was a special day for the Duke and Duchess and their family," a Kensington Palace spokeswoman said.
"They are very pleased to share this picture as they celebrate Prince George's second birthday."
Last year he had a party at Kensington Palace with his great-grandmother the Queen as guest of honour and a rendition of Happy Birthday played by the Irish Guards.
But Prince George will enjoy a much more low-key celebration at his parents' country retreat when he turns two today.
He will still be treated to all the usual trimmings - a cake and a visit from doting grandparents Michael and Carole Middleton, as well as a host of little friends and god-parents.
Kate has apparently done most of the organising herself, despite having a housekeeper and nanny on hand at Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to help out. It is not clear if Prince William will be able to attend the "private" family get-together, as he started work last week as an East Anglian Air Ambulance helicopter pilot and could be working a shift.
Grandfather Prince Charles will not be able to go as he and the Duchess of Cornwall are on an official trip to the West Country.
But the couple plan to stay at Sandringham House for several days at the end of the week so they can spend some 'quality time' with George and Princess Charlotte, who is almost three months old.
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- Daily Mail, PAA