Prince George Marks 13th Birthday with Official Portrait Release Before Eton College Boarding

The official 13th‑birthday portrait was shot at Kensington Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony by photographer Matt Porteous and released on William and Kate's social media with the caption 'Happy 13th Birthday, George!'.
Prince George’s birth details accompany the public portrait: he was born weighing 8lbs 6oz and was christened George Alexander Louis at the Chapel Royal, with godparents including Zara Tindall, Hugh Grosvenor and Julia Samuel.
George will become a full‑time boarder at Eton College in September, and the school itself comprises about 25 boarding houses, each housing roughly 55 pupils.
This birthday is described as the last before George starts senior school at Eton, with royal commentary noting his home life is now more settled than his father’s era, which could shape his Eton experience.
King Charles publicly acknowledged the birthday with a note on Kensington Palace’s social media, signaling the family’s supportive public engagement approach.
Prince George turned 13 on July 22, and Kensington Palace marked the occasion with a new official portrait released on William and Kate's social media. The photo, taken by photographer Matt Porteous after the Trooping the Colour ceremony, was shared with the simple caption: 'Happy 13th Birthday, George!' Liverpool Echo
The birthday comes at a pivotal moment for the future king. In September, George will leave home to become a full-time boarder at Eton College — the same school attended by his father, Prince William, and his grandfather, King Charles. Perth Now
Photographer Matt Porteous took the image at Kensington Palace. Porteous has become a trusted name for the Wales family, often chosen for key milestone photos. The picture shows George beaming, described by MyLondon as the future king looking at ease in front of the camera.
King Charles also acknowledged the birthday publicly, leaving a note on Kensington Palace's social media. Express reported that royal fans quickly weighed in with their reactions online, with many commenting on how much George has grown. The portrait signals the Royal Family's modern approach — using social media to share milestones directly with the public.
George was born weighing 8lbs 6oz. He was christened George Alexander Louis at the Chapel Royal. His godparents include Zara Tindall, Hugh Grosvenor, and Julia Samuel. Liverpool Echo noted these birth details alongside the portrait release, giving fans a reminder of the full scope of his journey so far.
At just 13, George has already attended high-profile public events including Wimbledon and Trooping the Colour. These appearances mark a steady increase in royal duties. Observers note his public schedule is growing as he moves toward a more formal role in the monarchy.
Eton College is made up of about 25 boarding houses. Each house holds roughly 55 pupils. George will join as a full-time boarder this September, following the same path as his father and grandfather before him. Female First called this birthday the last before George starts senior school.
Royal commentators say George's home life has been more stable than his father's was at the same age. That could shape how he adjusts to boarding life. The move to Eton is seen as a formal step toward preparing for future kingship — tradition meeting a new generation.
The decision to release the portrait on social media, rather than through a formal press release alone, reflects how the Royal Family now communicates. William and Kate have leaned into direct digital engagement for key moments. Birthday portraits for their children have become a reliable way to connect with the public each year.
Express noted the photo drew immediate reactions from royal fans worldwide. The combination of a major milestone birthday, a pending school transition, and a polished official image kept George firmly in the spotlight. At 13, he is stepping into an increasingly public life — one photo at a time.
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