The Prince of Wales has been photographed surrounded by his family to celebrate his 70th birthday – with Prince George sat giggling on his grandfather’s knee.

In two official images released to mark Charles’s milestone, the heir to the throne is pictured sat on a bench with his grandson and seated beside them are the Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Charlotte.

Stood behind the prince and his wife are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with Kate holding Prince Louis, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The photographs are rare images of the prince with his three grandchildren, which will increase to four when Meghan gives birth next year.

Charles is beginning his eighth decade from a position of confidence, with his charitable work in full swing, his sons forging their own public lives and Camilla by his side providing support.

But in a recent BBC documentary, William spoke of how he wants his father to spend more time with George, Charlotte and Louis.

He said: “I think he does have time for it, but I would like him to have more time with the children.

“I think, he’s reached his seventieth year, it’s a perfect time to consolidate a little bit because as most families would do, you are worried about having them around and making sure their health’s OK, and he’s the fittest man I know but equally I want him to be fit until he’s 95, you know, going on.”

Charles turns 70 on Wednesday and will spend part of his birthday with Camilla having tea with a group of inspirational people who also celebrate their 70th birthday this year.

In the evening, the Queen will throw a private Buckingham Palace birthday bash for her eldest son and heir.

The guest list is likely to include Charles’s friends from his public and private life, members of the royal family and others who have played an important role in the prince’s career.

The photo shoot was staged in the garden of Clarence House in September, and appears to show a “before and after” of the moment the photographer said “smile for the camera”.

In one image, the royals are looking straight ahead and smiling, while in the second Meghan is bending over as she laughs, Camilla has put her arm on three-year-old Charlotte’s shoulder and is pointing at something, while George has a fit of the giggles.

Baby Louis, who is six months old, looks happy and content in the photos and has almost grown a full head of hair, while his big brother, five-year-old George, dangles his long legs either side of his grandfather’s knee.

The pictures were taken by Getty photographer Chris Jackson, who said: “I was delighted to have been asked to take these portraits of the Prince of Wales surrounded by his family to celebrate the important milestone of his 70th birthday.

“It was particularly special to capture such an informal and relaxed family portrait over a fun afternoon in the gardens of Clarence House.”