To mark his 13th birthday, Kensington Palace has released a new photograph of Prince George. The image, taken by photographer Matt Porteous at Kensington Palace following the Trooping the Colour ceremony last month, depicts the prince in a formal suit, signaling his transition into his teenage years as he prepares for secondary school.
A Formal Portrait for a Teenage Milestone
Unlike last year’s portrait, which featured a more relaxed, rural aesthetic with the prince wearing a countryside-style gilet in Norfolk, the latest image presents a more formal appearance. In the photo, Prince George is captured standing with his hands in his pockets, dressed in a dark suit and an open-necked white shirt.
“Happy 13th birthday, George!”
Kensington Palace, via social media
The portrait was taken by photographer Matt Porteous shortly after the prince participated in the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London, an event that serves as a key marker of his gradual introduction to public life.
Transitioning to Eton College
The shift toward a more mature public image coincides with significant changes in the prince’s education. Having previously attended Lambrook School in Berkshire alongside his siblings, Charlotte and Louis, Prince George is now preparing to begin secondary school in September.
For more on this story, see Prince George Marks 13th Birthday with Formal Portrait.
He is set to follow in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, by attending Eton College. The elite boarding school, where entry typically begins at age 13, holds deep familial ties for the prince. In addition to his father, his uncle, Prince Harry, and his great uncle, Earl Spencer, also studied at the institution. Prince William, who was interviewed at age 18, has previously spoken of enjoying his time at the school.
As a student at Eton, Prince George will become a boarder, residing in one of the school’s 25 boarding houses. Each house typically accommodates approximately 55 pupils and is overseen by a house master and residential staff. The school’s location on the Windsor estate is also in close proximity to the Wales family home at Forest Lodge.
Life in the Public Spotlight
While the Prince and Princess of Wales have sought to provide a sense of normalcy for their children, Prince George’s upbringing has remained a subject of public interest. His appearance in this year’s birthday portrait follows a series of public engagements throughout the year, including his attendance at the Wimbledon tennis championships earlier this month.
These appearances are part of a broader, gradual introduction to his future role. Last December, the prince joined his father to assist at a charity for the homeless, and in June, he appeared alongside King Charles and other senior royals for the Trooping the Colour parade in London to mark the sovereign’s official birthday.
Worth a look
