In honor of their eldest son’s 11th birthday, Prince William and Kate Middleton released a new photograph of Prince George on Monday. The black and white portrait, captioned “Wishing Prince George a very happy 11th birthday today!”, was taken by Princess Kate in Windsor earlier this month.

The stunning new image has already attracted thousands of comments on the family’s Instagram account and many are pointing out how much Prince George looks like his father, Prince William.

One social media user said: “He's the splitting (sic) image of his father, honestly. Happy Birthday George!”

Another added: “Prince George looks so much like his Dad.”

The image shows the prince smiling broadly and dressed in a suit. While formally dressed, the prince looks happy and relaxed and is sporting a side-swept hairstyle. The photograph is a departure from the more relaxed and informal shots of Prince George in the past, a sign that the prince is growing up.

The 11-year-old was last photographed at the Euros finals with Prince William as father and son were seen with their heads in their hands when England lost to Spain.

Like his father, Prince George is a keen football fan and a talented player. As well as playing at school, George plays for an out-of-school club where his parents often watch from the sidelines.

The family are currently on summer holidays and will be taking a break from public duties until September. Sources say the Wales family will spend most of the summer at their countryside bolt hole, but if Princess Kate is well enough, they may escape to Mustique, a private island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Kate’s favorite holiday destination – for some sunshine.

Princess Kate is currently undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy after revealing in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer. The royal, who is taking a break from official engagements as she undergoes treatment, has been determined to keep family life as normal as possible during her ordeal. Sources say that issuing family photographs, including a charming shot of Prince William with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on Father’s Day, has been a way to keep things as normal as possible for the children, as well as reassurance that the princess is on the road to recovery.

Sources at Kensington Palace say that despite the backlash over Kate’s Mother’s Day image – which the princess admitted was digitally altered – the royal, a keen and talented photographer, will continue to photograph her children for milestone moments such as birthdays.

Kate also released new images of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for their recent birthdays. According to a royal insider, “The princess hugely enjoys photographing her children and she knows how much pleasure the images give to others, so it is a tradition she plans to continue.”