Prince George, the elder son of the Prince and Princess of Wales and second in line to the British throne, celebrated his 13th birthday on Tuesday as Kensington Palace released a new official portrait and previously unseen video footage to mark the occasion. The photograph, taken by his mother Catherine, Princess of Wales, shows the young royal smiling casually at Kensington Palace shortly after last month’s Trooping the Colour ceremony. The image presents George in a relaxed pose, dressed in a dark blazer and open-collared shirt, reflecting a more mature appearance as he enters his teenage years.
The video footage, shared by William and Kate on social media, captures George enjoying outdoor activities during a family holiday. In the clips, he is seen leaping between rocks on a beach, wearing sunglasses and a casual outfit, and playing alongside his younger brother Prince Louis. The footage also shows him waving at the camera and laughing, offering a rare glimpse into the private family moments of the royal household. The release of both the portrait and video is part of a tradition by the Prince and Princess of Wales to share personal updates on their children’s birthdays.
George’s 13th birthday comes at a significant moment in his life, as he is about to begin his secondary education at Eton College, the prestigious all-boys boarding school in Berkshire. Eton, which has educated many members of the British aristocracy and several prime ministers, was also attended by his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Prince Harry. The decision to send George to Eton follows a family tradition, though it marks a departure from the co-educational Marlborough College attended by his mother. The move to secondary school represents a major step for the young prince, who has until now been educated at Lambrook School in Berkshire alongside his siblings.
The birthday celebrations come amid a period of public interest in the royal family, particularly following the Princess of Wales’s recent health challenges. Catherine, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer, has maintained a reduced public schedule but continues to manage family duties from home. The release of the birthday portrait, taken by her, underscores her ongoing role in documenting the children’s milestones despite her health struggles. Kensington Palace has not disclosed details of private birthday festivities, but it is understood that the family will mark the occasion with a small gathering at their residence in Windsor.
Prince George’s transition to teenage years also highlights his growing role within the monarchy. As second in line to the throne after his father, he is expected to gradually take on more public engagements in the coming years, though his parents have emphasised the importance of allowing him a normal childhood. The new portrait and video have been widely shared across British media, with commentators noting how George is beginning to resemble his father at the same age. The images also serve to reinforce the public’s connection to the royal family during a period of change and adaptation.
The release of the birthday material has been met with positive reactions from royal watchers and the general public, many of whom have followed George’s life since his birth in 2013. The prince was born at St Mary’s Hospital in London, the same hospital where his father and uncle were born, and his arrival was greeted with widespread media coverage and public celebrations. Over the years, he has been seen at various royal events, including Trooping the Colour, the Queen’s funeral, and the coronation of King Charles III, gradually becoming a familiar figure in British public life. His 13th birthday marks not only a personal milestone but also a symbolic step toward his future responsibilities as a senior member of the royal family.
