Prince George is officially 12 — and looking more like Prince William than ever.
To mark the occasion, Prince William and Princess Kate shared a new birthday portrait of their eldest son, continuing the royal tradition that began when George was just a baby. The custom has since extended to his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, with new photos shared annually on their birthdays.
This year’s photo, taken by photographer Josh Shinner in Norfolk earlier in 2025, shows George leaning casually on a wooden fence and smiling warmly at the camera. Dressed in a checked shirt and a brown fleece gilet — a look his father often sports — the young royal mirrors William’s style and features in striking detail.
“Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George! 🎂 📸 @joshshinner,” the couple captioned the post on social media.
A Meaningful Milestone
George’s 12th birthday marks his final year before entering his teenage years — a significant step as his public role in the royal family begins to take shape. For now, however, William and Kate remain focused on giving him a grounded and private upbringing.
George will complete his last year at Lambrook School in Windsor, where he studies alongside Charlotte and Louis. According to reports, plans are already in motion for him to attend Eton College next year, the same prestigious all-boys school his father and uncle, Prince Harry, attended.
Although Kate’s alma mater, Marlborough College, was reportedly considered, insiders say “all roads lead to Eton,” and the school is already quietly preparing for the announcement.
Growing Up Royal
George has been stepping into the public eye more frequently in recent months. Just over a week ago, he was spotted with William and Charlotte at the Wimbledon men’s singles final, looking confident in a navy suit and tie — and even donning sunglasses as he watched from the Royal Box.
Earlier this year, he also made two Buckingham Palace balcony appearances: once at the annual Trooping the Colour parade in June, and again during May’s 80th anniversary of VE Day. During the VE Day events, George joined his parents in hosting a tea party for veterans — a rare and formal role for the young prince, signaling a slow introduction to his future royal duties.
A Sporty Side and Humble Nature
Much like his parents, George shares a deep passion for sports. He’s frequently seen cheering at soccer matches with William, especially when Aston Villa is playing. At Wimbledon, when doubles champ Julian Cash asked him about his own tennis skills, George modestly replied, “I’m alright.”
Despite the growing public attention, William and Kate have made it a priority to shield their children from the pressures of royal life. A former royal pilot revealed on a podcast that when Prince William turned 12, protocol required him to fly separately from his immediate family — a precaution to protect the line of succession. It remains unclear whether George will now follow that same protocol.
In contrast to past royal generations, William and Kate have taken a hands-on parenting approach, rarely leaving their children behind during royal tours and minimizing public exposure where possible. “You can’t see this couple doing that,” a source told PEOPLE in reference to older royal customs.
As Prince George steps into a pivotal year, his parents appear committed to letting him enjoy childhood while gradually preparing him for his future role as king.
