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Future monarch Prince George, who celebrates his first birthday Tuesday, is seen looking at butterflies with fascination in two newly-released photos.

The youngest royal family member has his eyes set on the beautiful insect during an outing with his doting parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The images were shot at the Sensational Butterflies exhibit at London’s Natural History Museum by John Stillwell of the UK’s Press Association wire service.

He also took the photo released Saturday of Prince George walking (running, some might say, as much as a toddler can do so) in his Petit Bateau overalls.

“He was fascinated to see the them fly but a little scared when they got a bit close to him,” Stillwell says of the prince’s encounter with the Blue Morpho butterfly.

Stillwell says he kept his distance and used a long lens so William and Kate, both 32, could relax and enjoy the peace at the exhibit with their son.”

“As anybody with a young toddler would be, they were very proud parents. They were very relaxed and were happy to be there, showing him around.”

“They were showing him things, pointing things out. What stands out is how relaxed they are when doing something like that. There are no airs and graces.”

Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, of which Kate Middleton is patron, called hosting the royal family “a real pleasure.”

“[William and Kate] seemed to enjoy their visit, wandering through the tropical plants as brightly colored butterflies took flight around them,” he added.

It was delightful to see Prince George’s first experience of the Natural History Museum and I look forward to welcoming them again in the future.”

William and Kate released a statement along with the images 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, we thank them their warm and generous good wishes to George and our family,” they said.

For many more images from the future king’s first year on this planet, open up the birthday gallery below and prepare for cuteness overload …