Kensington Palace Releases Photo of Prince George Ahead of Trip Down Under

Even at 8 1/2 months, Prince George has the world captivated like his parents.

ByABC News
March 29, 2014, 6:00 PM

March 29, 2014— -- Even at 8 1/2 months, Prince George has the world captivated -- just like his famous parents. A new photo showing The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their infant son was released by Kensington Palace today.

The picture shows the family in their apartment at Kensington Palace in mid March.

The photo taken by Jason Bell, who also snapped the couple's Christening photos, was released in advance to mark their trip Down Under next week. The Duke and Duchess plan to spend three weeks with Prince George in Australia and New Zealand, a trip William took at the same age with his parents 31 years ago

"This is about the coming out of Prince George. It's the first time we're going to see him internationally," royal editor and author Robert Jobson told ABC News

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Aside from the couple's arrival at the airport in New Zealand, we should get our first real glimpse of little George at a reception at Government House in Wellington with other parents.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we got a repeat of him crawling around like Prince William did in Australia because it is really all about him on this trip," Jobson said. "This is really the first time we"ll get a good look since the christening."

The trip is tailored to the couple's interests and they have plans to race New Zealand's America's Cup yachts in Auckland Harbour and to shoot the rapids on the 50 mph "Shotover Jet" in the Canyons in Queensland.

One of the most poignant moments may be their visit to Ayers Rock in Australia, where William's parents famously took in the magnificent scenery, a tour William and Kate will also undertake.

The trip will have no shortage of glamor. The Duchess should have plenty of occasions to don the Royal Jewels, but most of the trip is expected to be more low key.

"I think Prince William is one that will try to play down the formality of occasion. He'd much prefer to go to a state barbecue than a state banquet and I think that's what he's going to have the opportunity to do in Australia and New Zealand," said Jobson.

And what about a little brother or sister for George in the future?

Prince William told guests at the annual St. Patrick's celebration in Aldershot two weeks ago that Prince George was busy crawling but "one was enough at the moment."

The world will have to wait and see.