Prince George has turned 12, with the Prince and Princess of Wales releasing a new photograph of their eldest child to mark the milestone birthday. The future king is now just one year away from becoming a teenager.
The relaxed portrait shows George outdoors, smiling as he leans against a rustic wooden gate in Norfolk. He wears a white checked shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a dark green fleece gilet, with a blue and white friendship bracelet visible on his left wrist.
Birthday portrait released
The image was taken by photographer Josh Shinner earlier this year and posted on Kensington Palace's social media accounts. It was accompanied by the message: "Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!" followed by a cake emoji.
George's birthday falls during his summer break from school, with the young prince having one year remaining at his prep school Lambrook. Either Eton or Marlborough College are thought to be the frontrunners for his senior school education.
Recent public appearances
The prince joined his parents and sister Princess Charlotte at the Wimbledon men's final earlier this month. He was seen using a fan to keep cool in the Royal Box during the blazing afternoon sun.
In June, George was spotted nudging his boisterous younger brother Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony following the Trooping the Colour ceremony. The gentle intervention encouraged Louis to wave more calmly at the crowd below.
Birth and early debut
Prince George Alexander Louis was born in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, at 4.24pm on 22nd July 2013. He weighed 8lb 6oz at birth.
He made his debut in front of the world's media on the hospital steps one day later. The newborn prince was wrapped in a white merino wool shawl and cradled in his mother's arms for his first public appearance.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
