New pictures mark curious George's first birthday

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have thanked the public for their good wishes as they prepare to celebrate Prince George's first birthday.

To mark the occasion, two new pictures of the young royal have been released, showing the curious future King at a butterfly exhibition in London.

William and Kate have received an outpouring of support since their young son's birth on July 22 last year captured headlines around the world.

And the Royal couple expressed their gratitude in a short statement: "We would like to take this opportunity on George's first birthday to thank everyone over the last year, wherever we have met them, both at home and overseas, for their warm and generous good wishes to George and our family."

The young family were photographed at the Sensational Butterflies outdoor exhibition at London's Natural History Museum. Credit: John Stillwell/Press Association

The Cambridges will mark the occasion at Kensington Palace with close family and friends and are expected to hold a birthday party.