The future king turns 12 today
Prince George is celebrating his 12th birthday today, and a new photo has been released to mark the occasion.
The eldest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales turns 12 on July 22. Prince William and his wife Kate welcomed their firstborn in 2013.
Now entering his final year of prep school, the young royal looks confident and grown up in the newly released portrait.
Happy birthday, Prince George! (Credit: Cover Images)
Prince George in new birthday photo to mark 12th birthday
A photo shared to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account showed George smiling at the camera, wearing a checked shirt and fleece gilet, as he had his arms crossed over a wooden fence.
The post read: “Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!”
Photographer Josh Shinner took the photo, which you can see here.
Fans gushed over the picture, with many wishing George a happy birthday.
One commented: “Happy birthday, Prince George. Beautiful picture.”
Another wrote: “Happy birthday!! Can’t believe he’s 12.”
Someone else said: “Happy birthday to our little (not so little anymore) future king.”
Prince George attended Trooping the Colour alongside his parents and younger siblings in June (Credit: Cover Images)
Where was Prince George born?
Prince George was born on July 22, 2013, at 4.24 pm in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London. This is the same place his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, were later born.
The next day, the newborn prince made his public debut on the hospital steps, wrapped in a white merino wool shawl and cradled in his mother’s arms.
George currently attends Lambrook School in Berkshire, alongside his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The school educates students up to the age of 13, meaning George is expected to finish there in summer of 2026.
It is widely speculated that he will then go on to attend Eton College, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Prince Harry. The historic boarding school is just a short drive from the family’s home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
The young royal is second in line to the throne (Credit: Cover Images)
What will Prince George’s royal role look like?
As a future king, Prince George is expected to take on more responsibilities as he grows older.
Experts believe he will receive support from his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in the same way King Charles has been supported by his siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.
George has gradually taken on a more public-facing role in recent years.
Just this year, he joined his parents at key royal events such as Trooping the Colour, Wimbledon, and VE Day.
His parents have gently prepared the young prince for his future role. However, they still ensure that he enjoys a relatively normal childhood out of the spotlight.
If he follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Prince George will become the 43rd monarch.
