To celebrate his 12th birthday on July 22, 2025, the Prince and Princess of Wales have released a bright new portrait of Prince George.
The photo, taken earlier this year in Norfolk by the family’s preferred photographer Josh Shinner, features George leaning casually over a wooden gate, smiling directly into the lens.
He’s dressed in a white checkered shirt layered under a khaki gilet, with a blue-thread friendship bracelet on his wrist—a subtle nod to a trend he shares with his sister, Princess Charlotte.
A Glimpse Into George’s Private World
Since his birth at St Mary’s Hospital in London in 2013, George has largely been kept out of the public spotlight, though occasional details about his life have emerged.
As the eldest of the Wales children, George currently attends Lambrook School and is anticipated to begin secondary school next year.
While no official decision has been announced, Eton College—Prince William’s former school—is reportedly the top choice. A source commented, “All roads lead to Eton.”
George shares his father’s enthusiasm for Aston Villa FC and often accompanies him to games.
He has also been seen at several public events, including this year’s men’s final at Wimbledon, where he appeared alongside his parents and Princess Charlotte.
The young prince seemed emotionally invested as he watched his favorite player, Carlos Alcaraz, fall to World No.1 Jannik Sinner.
A known Alcaraz supporter, George humbly described his own tennis ability as “alright” when asked by doubles champion Julian Cash.
A Rock Fan in the Making
In recent years, Prince William and Princess Kate have offered rare insights into George’s developing musical interests.
During the 2023 Big Lunch in honor of the King’s Coronation, William revealed George’s fondness for classic rock icons such as AC/DC and Led Zeppelin.
Adam Lambert, lead singer of Queen, also recalled a charming story from Princess Kate. Following Queen’s 2022 Jubilee performance, George had mistaken Lambert for a guitarist.
“He remembered who you were,” Kate reportedly told him, a moment Lambert described as “cute.”
The Royal Protocol Prince George Must Now Follow
With George turning 12, a significant royal rule now takes effect: he can no longer fly on the same aircraft as his father, Prince William.
This protocol is intended to protect the line of succession and has traditionally applied once an heir reaches the age of 12.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams explained, “King Charles and Prince William never travel together. Now the same applies to George. He might travel with his siblings or separately, while William takes another aircraft.”
The rule reflects the royal family’s long-standing caution around air travel, rooted in past tragedies. Prince William of Gloucester, Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Prince Philip’s sister Cecile all lost their lives in aviation accidents.
This protocol is similar to the U.S. policy that prevents the President and Vice President from traveling on the same plane.
More Royal Rules Ahead
As a young member of the royal family, George is already subject to a number of specific customs.
One of these requires that he always pack a black outfit when traveling—a practice introduced after Queen Elizabeth II lacked mourning attire when her father passed away unexpectedly.
There are also traditional dress codes for royal children: boys typically wear shorts, while girls are expected to wear dresses at official engagements.
Furthermore, royal family members—especially when traveling—avoid eating shellfish to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Looking forward, George will likely take on more public duties and official roles, gradually growing into the future monarch he is destined to become.
