Prince George turned 12 today, and to mark the occasion, Kensington Palace released a brand-new portrait of the young royal—smiling brightly and looking more grown-up than ever.
The photo, taken by none other than the Princess of Wales, shows Prince George wearing a casual checkered shirt while sitting on a set of garden steps. With his relaxed pose and confident grin, it’s clear the future king is stepping into adolescence with ease and charm. The royal family has made it a tradition to share personal portraits on birthdays, and this year’s image captures George’s growing maturity while still preserving the innocence of youth.
A Modern Royal Birthday Tradition
In keeping with recent royal customs, the photo was shared on the official social media accounts of the Prince and Princess of Wales just after midnight on July 22. The post included a simple caption: “Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!”—accompanied by a cake emoji.
What makes this year’s image particularly special is that it was taken by his mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who has been known for capturing heartfelt moments of her children over the years. Her photography offers the public a more personal look at royal life, and fans love the authenticity these images bring.
Prince George’s Birthday in the Spotlight
Prince George has largely been kept out of the public eye in recent months as he focuses on his education at Lambrook School in Berkshire. However, he did make a notable appearance earlier this month at Trooping the Colour alongside his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and their parents.
According to palace sources:
- The family plans a private celebration at their home in Windsor.
- A few close friends and schoolmates are expected to join for the birthday fun.
- King Charles III is said to have sent a personal gift and message to his eldest grandchild.
Despite his royal duties being far off, Prince George is slowly being introduced to the responsibilities he will eventually inherit. At public events, he has become noticeably more confident, often seen standing tall beside his father, Prince William.
Prince George’s Growing Role in the Royal Family
As Prince George grows older, royal watchers are beginning to see early signs of the young prince preparing for his future role.
In 2023, he served as one of the Pages of Honour at King Charles III’s coronation, a ceremonial position that placed him directly in the global spotlight. Dressed in full regalia, George handled the pressure with poise well beyond his years.
More recently, royal insiders report that:
- He has begun shadowing his parents at smaller engagements.
- He’s receiving guidance from Prince William on leadership and tradition.
- Discussions have started on future educational pathways aligned with royal responsibilities.
These subtle but clear steps suggest the palace is carefully shaping George’s public image, balancing his need for a normal childhood with the expectations of his royal future.
Public Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Social media platforms were flooded with birthday wishes from fans and royal enthusiasts around the world. On Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), #PrinceGeorge quickly trended as users admired his charm and maturity.
Some standout messages included:
- “He looks just like his dad! Happy Birthday, George!”
- “Kate takes the best photos. What a beautiful family moment.”
- “Twelve already? Time flies!”
Several royal commentators have also noted how George’s composed demeanor and natural presence have begun to mirror Prince William’s leadership style, drawing comparisons between the generations.
A Look Back at Milestones from George’s Last Year
Here are a few key highlights from Prince George’s 11th year:
| Month | Milestone/Event |
|---|---|
| May 2023 | Served as Page of Honour at King’s Coronation |
| July 2023 | Turned 11; celebrated at Windsor |
| December 2023 | Attended Christmas service with royal family |
| June 2024 | Appeared at Trooping the Colour |
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Young Royal?
While George’s immediate future remains focused on school, insiders suggest his parents are gradually easing him into more public life. He’s expected to accompany the Wales family on some low-key public events later this year and possibly represent the family at select charity engagements as he matures.
One thing is certain: As the eldest child of Prince William and Catherine, and second in line to the throne, Prince George continues to grow into his royal role with grace and heart.
Prince George’s 12th birthday serves as both a celebration and a glimpse into the future of the monarchy. With every year, he takes another step toward the legacy he’s set to inherit. Feel free to share your thoughts or birthday wishes for Prince George in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!