Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton marked their eldest son Prince George’s milestone 13th birthday with a new portrait.
William and Kate, both 44, celebrated George’s special day on Wednesday, July 22, with the release of a new formal photo shared via social media.
“Happy 13th Birthday, George! 🎉,” an Instagram caption read.
In the pic, George suited up in a dapper black suit without a tie and stood on a regal-looking set of white steps.
The official Instagram account for the royal family shared the image via Instagram Stories, writing, “Happy 13th Birthday to Prince George!”
The official X account for the Welsh Guards, meanwhile, released its own tribute to the future king.
“On behalf of all ranks, veterans, families and friends of the Welsh Guards, we extend our warmest wishes to His Royal Highness Prince George of Wales on the occasion of his Birthday,” a statement read. “Happy Birthday, Your Royal Highness. Cymru Am Byth.”
Hours later, William and Kate told fans that they were grateful for the sweet birthday wishes on behalf of their son.
“Thank you for all the birthday wishes for George today! 🎂,” an Instagram caption read, alongside footage of George playing on the beach with his family’s dog.
The Prince of Wales, who is first in line for the British throne, and wife Kate welcomed George in 2013. (William and Kate also share daughter Princess Charlotte, 11, and son Prince Louis, 7.)
As the royal couple’s eldest child, George is second in the line of succession. In recent years, the now-teenager has started taking on more royal duties in preparation for his eventual ascension, serving as a pageboy during grandfather King Charles III’s coronation in 2023. Nearly three years later, George made his debut appearance at the Festival of Remembrance in 2025.
William, who will succeed father Charles as the next monarch, has since been candid about raising another ruler.
“It’s an interesting question, and it’s a big question, that one, because there’s lots of things to think about with that,” William said on The Reluctant Traveller in October 2025. “Obviously, I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact people’s lives for the better.”
He added at the time, “I hope we don’t go back to some of the practices in the past that [Prince] Harry [my brother] and I had to grow up in, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure we don’t regress in that situation.”
Until his eventual reign, George is focused on the next steps in his academic career. He is set to enroll in William’s alma mater Eton College for the upcoming school year.
“George [was] boarding last night,” William said on a May episode of Heart Breakfast, while giving Charlotte and Louis’ on-air shout-outs. “So, Charlotte, Louis, if you’re listening, make sure you’re on time, please. Make sure you’re not fighting over who’s listening to what this morning.”
George most recently attended England’s Lambrook School with his siblings.
