Overview
- The Prince and Princess of Wales posted an official portrait and an 18-second holiday video to mark George’s 13th birthday on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, thanking well-wishers in the captions.
- Both posts referred to him simply as “George,” omitting his formal title, a deliberate stylistic choice that royal commentator Jennie Bond says signals a move toward a more relaxed, ‘royal with a small r’ tone.
- The portrait was taken by the family’s photographer Matt Porteous after Trooping the Colour and the short video used footage from a Cornwall family holiday showing George playing on the beach and climbing rocks.
- Kensington Palace confirmed in June that George will begin at Eton College in September, making this birthday both a personal milestone and a transition point in his education.
- Commentators say the curated annual releases are intended to protect the children’s privacy, reduce paparazzi exposure, and shape public perceptions as George moves toward more formal schooling and future royal duties.