Prince George (13), second in line to the British throne, celebrated his birthday on Wednesday as he prepares to start at Eton College in September.
Kensington Palace marked the occasion by sharing a photograph of the prince, whilst King Charles III and Queen Camilla sent birthday wishes to their grandson.
George, the eldest child of Prince William and Princess Catherine, was born on 22 July 2013 at St Mary’s Hospital in London. His arrival sparked a global media frenzy and public celebrations across the country. His full name is George Alexander Louis.
Growing up in the spotlight
The young prince’s childhood has been carefully shielded from constant media attention, though his rare public appearances have always attracted significant coverage. British newspapers dubbed him “Gorgeous George” during his toddler years.
“William and Catherine have done extremely well in trying to bring him up in a simple way, as normally as possible,” royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told AFP.
The family initially lived in a rented farmhouse in Anglesey, off the coast of northwest Wales, before moving to Kensington Palace in 2017. They later settled at Windsor estate, southwest of London, where George has attended Lambrook school since 2022 alongside his siblings Charlotte (11) and Louis (8).
Public duties and personal interests
George has already participated in several high-profile royal events. He appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the Trooping of the Colour ceremony and helped carry his grandfather’s robes during the coronation in 2023.
Unlike his younger brother Louis, who has been photographed pulling faces at events, George appears more serious and composed during public engagements. Fitzwilliams noted the prince was “a bit shy in early years” but has been seen “being helpful to Charlotte and Louis on occasions”.
Beyond royal duties, George shares his father’s passion for football, particularly Aston Villa. He regularly accompanies William to matches and his mother to Wimbledon. The prince also has an interest in helicopters and may follow William’s path, who worked as an air ambulance pilot.
The Eton chapter begins
In September, George will start boarding at Eton College, though his family will remain close by in Windsor. The prestigious secondary school charges more than £63 000 in annual fees.
Both William and his uncle Harry attended Eton, where George will have security arrangements in place.
“This is where he’ll be inducted into statecraft, history,” said Fitzwilliams. “Eton is the big step towards maturity.”
According to the royal commentator, the young prince is being “inducted into things very gradually” and will likely increase his public appearances as he grows older.
ALSO READ: Centuries of scandal: the British Royal family’s troubled history
