Prince George's Grown-Up Birthday Portrait Leaves Royal Fans in Disbelief: 'He Is So...'
George's 12th birthday was marked by the release of an official portrait, showing him looking remarkably grown-up.
Prince George turned 12 on Tuesday, July 22, and the Prince and Princess of Wales celebrated the occasion in a way that’s become a cherished tradition—by releasing an official birthday portrait. As second in line to the throne, every milestone in George’s life draws public attention. But this year felt especially significant as it is his final year at Lambrook School. As the portrait made the rounds on social media, royal fans were quick to comment on just how much the young Prince has grown.
As reported by People magazine, the new photo shows George beaming in a checkered shirt and fleece vest while leaning against a fence in a sunlit setting. The reaction was immediate. Fans around the world rushed to the comments to share their well wishes. “Happy Birthday! Can’t believe he’s 12!" one Instagram user commented, while another gushed, “Happy birthday, Prince George! Please stop growing up so fast!” Surprised by how much he has grown, a royal fan echoed, "Happy Birthday to our little (not so little anymore) Future King". In a similar vein, a royal fan wrote: "He's almost a teenager. Happy birthday, sweet George!" A comment also read, "How quickly he has grown. He is so tall and handsome."
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Prince William and Kate Middleton also shared a very adorable video of the birthday boy playing with his siblings. "12 today!" the video's caption read. Each year, the royal couple has made it a tradition to release portraits of their children on their birthdays. These have become something the public eagerly awaits, as they offer a glimpse into the growing personalities. However, what made this year’s photo particularly notable was who stood behind the camera. For many years, Princess Kate, a known photography enthusiast, personally took most of her children’s official birthday portraits.
Middleton is a member of the Royal Photography Society and has a history of capturing intimate family moments. From the early snaps of toddler George to playful photos of Prince Louis, her work has received acclaim from both the public and professional photographers. However, Middleton didn't capture Louis's birthday portrait this year when he turned seven, and neither did she for George’s 12th. Instead, they were entrusted to Josh Shinner, a professional royal photographer, as reported by Harper’s Bazaar. But Princess Charlotte’s 10th birthday portrait this year was, however, taken by the Princess of Wales, sparking admiration across social platforms, with many noting how much she resembled her late grandmother, Princess Diana.
Now that George has turned 12, he is expected to follow more royal protocols — which means he's not allowed to fly on the same flight as his father. It has been a longstanding rule for royal heirs to travel separately, as there is always a chance they could be involved in an accident, thus affecting the line of succession. The rule is mostly applicable to the first two heirs to the throne, in this case, Prince William and George. Reports claim the monarch has to give special permission for William to travel with George. King Charles, too, followed the rule and had to ask his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, before travelling with William in the past.
