LONDON - Britain's Kensington Palace released a new photo of Prince George ahead of his fifth birthday Monday.

"The duke and duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to share a new photograph of Prince George to mark his fifth birthday - thank you everyone for your lovely messages," the palace captioned Sunday's image of the smiling boy, who is wearing a white, short-sleeved, button-down shirt with navy blue piping and blue shorts or pants.

George is the oldest of the three children of Prince William - the duke of Cambridge - and his wife Kate Middleton - the duchess of Cambridge. He is the grandson of Prince Charles and the great-grandson of Queen Elizabeth II.

George's infant brother Prince Louis was christened earlier this month. He also has a 3-year-old sister Princess Charlotte. - Agencies