Royal baby at 8 months old: See Prince George’s latest portrait

By George, the royal baby is getting so big! Prince William and his wife, Catherine, formerly Kate Middleton, have released another family portrait containing their wee prince.

The latest snapshot features George and his family peeking out of their Kensington Palace apartment with the little prince gazing at the royal family’s dog, Lupo, who rounds out the composition. But the awww-inducing element has to be the wispy-haired prince’s collared sweater emblazoned with his name. The sweater is a gift from his grandfather, Prince Charles, the Daily Mail said.

Photographer Jason Bell, who shot the official first portraits of George at his christening in October, captured the latest image at Kensington Palace in mid-March, palace officials said.

PHOTOS: Kate Middleton through the years

The duke and duchess of Cambridge, whose son is now nearly 9 months, decided to release the snapshot Saturday ahead of their April tour of New Zealand and Australia, according to the palace. George is expected to join them on the three-week trip, and new snapshots are likely to be taken as the royal family arrives in Wellington on April 7.

Saturday also marked Mother’s Day in the Britain and Kate’s first time celebrating the holiday as a mom.

This isn’t the first time the pair have released photos ahead of a big trip, People reported. In 2011, the newlyweds released an official portrait just before heading out on their North American tour. It also keeps up with William’s family tradition, since his parents — Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana — unveiled a portrait of their firstborn son as an infant just before their trip to Australia in 1983, the mag said.

PHOTOS: Prince George’s christening photos unveiled

William and Catherine recently hired a full-time nanny to care for the third in line to the British throne. The palace made the announcement this month, saying the duke and duchess were “delighted� that Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo decided to join them. William’s former nanny, Jessie Webb, 71, had come out of retirement to help care for the boy part time before Borrallo signed on with the royal family.

During a St. Patrick’s Day Parade, William revealed that George was crawling and that he’s a “bouncing baby,� according to several reports. As for whether they’ll be giving George a sibling, William reportedly said, “Maybe one day. One’s enough at the moment.�

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