New Prince George photo released for his 13th birthday

Kensington Palace released a new portrait of Prince George to mark his thirteenth birthday today. The image shows the prince standing with his hands in his pockets while wearing a dark suit and an open-necked white shirt. Photographer Matt Porteous captured the shot at Kensington Palace last month immediately following the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

This portrait represents a notable shift in style compared to last year. While previous images often featured the young royal in rural settings or casual attire, this photograph presents a more formal look. The change marks his transition into his teenage years and his upcoming move to secondary school in September.

Prince George is set to attend Eton College, a boarding school for boys where his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Prince Harry, both studied. Admission to the school typically begins at the age of thirteen. He will reside in one of the twenty-five boarding houses, each housing roughly fifty-five students under the supervision of a house master.

As second in line to the throne, George remains a public figure despite his parents' efforts to maintain a private home life at Forest Lodge on the Windsor estate. He has increasingly participated in official duties, joining the royal family for events like the Trooping the Colour parade and appearing at the Wimbledon tennis championships alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales earlier this month.

This birthday marks a milestone as he moves from Lambrook School toward his secondary education. The family continues to balance his public responsibilities with the realities of adolescent life, preparing him for his future role while providing as normal an environment as possible.