Prince George Turns 13: Kensington Palace Releases New Portrait Ahead of Eton Start
The Prince and Princess of Wales have released a new official photograph to mark Prince George's 13th birthday today.
The portrait, taken by photographer Matt Porteous at Kensington Palace last month following the Trooping the Colour ceremony, shows the young prince looking notably more grown-up than in previous birthday images. George stands with his hands in his pockets, wearing an open-necked white shirt and dark suit—a marked departure from last year's more casual photograph, which showed him in a countryside-style gilet and friendship bracelet in a rural Norfolk setting.
The image was shared on social media with the message "Happy 13th birthday, George!" alongside a party popper emoji.
A Major Milestone: Starting at Eton
The more formal portrait reflects a significant moment in George's life: the prince is preparing to start secondary school in September at Eton College, the elite boarding school near Windsor where his father Prince William was educated.
Kensington Palace announced earlier this year that George would follow in his father's footsteps at the historic institution. Prince William, when interviewed at age 18, spoke fondly of enjoying his time at Eton. The school is conveniently close to the Wales family home on the Windsor estate.
George will become a boarder at one of Eton's 25 boarding houses, each of which accommodates approximately 55 pupils under the care of residential staff headed by a house master. His uncle Prince Harry and great-uncle Earl Spencer also studied at the school.
The prince previously attended Lambrook School in Berkshire alongside his sister Princess Charlotte, 10, and brother Prince Louis, 7.
Growing Up in the Public Eye
For any child, starting secondary school represents a significant transition—and on that front, Prince George is no different from his peers. Prince William and Catherine have made considerable efforts to create as normal a family life as possible at their home, Adelaide Cottage, on the Windsor estate.
Yet George's childhood has inevitably unfolded in the public spotlight. Born on July 22, 2013, at St Mary's Hospital in London, he has been gradually introduced to public duties over the years.
Recent months have seen him take on an increasingly visible role. At Christmas, he joined Prince William at a charity event for the homeless. In June, he appeared alongside King Charles and other senior royals for the Trooping the Colour parade marking the sovereign's official birthday. Earlier this month, he attended the Wimbledon tennis championships with his parents and was seen watching the action from the Royal Box.
As second in line to the throne after his father, George's path is already mapped out in many ways. But for now, the focus is on a more immediate rite of passage: becoming a teenager and starting a new chapter at one of Britain's most prestigious schools.
