An official picture of Prince George has been released to mark his second birthday, says the BBC.

The picture, taken by fashion photographer Mario Testino, shows the toddler smiling in the arms of his father, Prince William, and was tweeted by Kensington Palace to mark the occasion.

George's birthday is on Wednesday, July 22.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are likely to have a party for their son at their Norfolk home, the BBC said.

The picture was taken after Princess Charlotte's christening on July 5, in the gardens of Sandringham House, on the Queen's Norfolk estate, and was part of a series of official photographs taken by Testino following the princess' christening.

The broadcaster quoted a Kensington Palace spokeswoman as saying, "This photograph captures a very happy moment on what was a special day for the Duke and Duchess and their family.

"They are very pleased to share this picture as they celebrate Prince George's second birthday."

It is thought the Duke and Duchess will celebrate George's birthday privately at Anmer Hall, their Norfolk home, as William is still settling into his new job as an air ambulance helicopter pilot in the area.