A brand new photo of Prince George has been released to celebrate his 13th birthday, showing the future king grinning with his hands in his pockets, dressed in a suit and open-neck shirt. The portrait was taken at Kensington Palace after George and his siblings joined their parents for Trooping the Colour last month.
The photo, taken by Matt Porteous, was posted on social media with the message: “Happy 13th Birthday, George!” and a party-popper emoji, according to the Mirror.
From Lindo Wing to Teenager
Prince George first captured the world’s attention at just a few hours old, when Kate carried him out onto the Lindo Wing steps at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington. He weighed 8lbs 6oz and was christened George Alexander Louis at the Chapel Royal at St James' Palace. His godparents include his father's cousin Zara Tindall, the Duke of Westminster Hugh Grosvenor, and his late grandmother Princess Diana's friend Julia Samuel.
Now, at 13, George stands shoulder-to-shoulder with his mother. His birthday arrives at a pivotal moment as he prepares to follow his father, the Prince of Wales, to Eton College in September. The £63,000-a-year school is expected to become his full-time home once he begins boarding.
Increasing Public Role
George has taken on an increasingly visible role in public life. In recent months, he has appeared alongside his parents at major events including Trooping the Colour and Wimbledon. Last month, he carried out his first official joint engagement with the Princess of Wales during their visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror: “It’s obviously a huge year ahead for George. Becoming a teenager is still quite a landmark in any young life. But when it means you are also moving schools and essentially leaving home – at least on a part-time basis – it’s pretty momentous. Luckily, George has two very switched-on parents who have brought him up to talk about his feelings and his fears, and they will only have taken the decision for him to start boarding at Eton after discussing it with him fully, and being certain that this is what he wants. So he’ll probably view the year ahead with a few nerves but a lot of excitement.”
