5 Things That Will Change For Prince George as He Celebrates His 13th Birthday

Prince George is officially a teenager. As the eldest child of Prince William and Princess Kate and second in line to the British throne, his 13th birthday marks more than just another year. It signals the start of a new chapter, with bigger responsibilities, a new school, and changes to how he travels and carries out royal duties. Here are five things expected to change as George turns 13.

George is likely to be seen at more royal events as he gets older, with Kate and William already introducing him to public life slowly. Over the past year, he has taken part in several major events, including the VE Day commemorations, where he met Second World War veterans, and a visit to RAF Coningsby with Kate for Armed Forces Day. As he turns 13, these carefully chosen appearances are expected to become more common as he prepares for his future as king.

One of the biggest changes in George's life will happen this September when he starts at Eton College. The prestigious Berkshire school has educated generations of royals, including William and Prince Harry. While the move marks the start of a new chapter, it also means more independence, new routines, and life away from his siblings during the school week. George is expected to settle into boarding school while continuing to balance his education with his growing royal role.

George's family holidays and royal tours could soon look a little different. Once he turns 13, it's expected that he and William will start flying separately more often because of a long-standing royal rule meant to protect the line of succession. The same arrangement reportedly came into effect for William when he was around the same age. If father and son do travel together, it would likely require the monarch's approval.

As George's public role grows over the coming years, so will the team supporting him behind the scenes. It is expected that he will gradually receive more dedicated staff to help with everything from security to official engagements and media appearances. Like other senior royals, he will eventually have his own household to help manage his increasingly busy schedule and official commitments.

While George has been given as normal a childhood as possible, his lessons about the monarchy are expected to become more detailed as he enters his teenage years. Alongside his regular education, he will likely spend more time learning about Britain's constitutional monarchy, royal traditions, and the responsibilities that come with being heir to the throne. Royal author Robert Jobson previously told Us Weekly that William and Kate are introducing these responsibilities "gradually" because they "don't want to freak him out."