Prince George celebrated his 12th birthday with the release of a new official photograph shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The image, taken earlier this year by photographer Josh Shinner, shows the young royal outdoors in Norfolk, leaning casually on a rustic wooden gate. Dressed in a white checked shirt, dark green fleece gilet, and sporting a blue and white friendship bracelet, the future king appears relaxed and smiling, enjoying the countryside setting.
Posted on Kensington Palace’s social media, the photo was accompanied by the message: “Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!” with a cake emoji.
With just one year left at his current prep school Lambrook, Prince George is expected to move on to a senior school next year, with Eton College and Marlborough College among the leading contenders.
George’s birthday falls during the school summer break. Earlier this month, he was spotted attending the Wimbledon men’s final with his parents and sister, Princess Charlotte, fanning himself in the Royal Box amid soaring temperatures.
In June, during the Trooping the Colour celebrations, George was seen gently encouraging his younger brother Prince Louis to wave more calmly from the Buckingham Palace balcony, showcasing his growing maturity.
Born on July 22, 2013, at 4:24 pm in the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, London, Prince George Alexander Louis weighed 8lb 6oz. The world caught its first glimpse of the newborn heir the next day, wrapped in a white shawl and held lovingly in his mother’s arms.
