Full Breakdown
Prince George Turns 13: Birthday Portrait, Video, and the Road to Eton
7/23/2026, 12:14:38 PM
Core Event
On July 22 the Prince and Princess of Wales posted a formal portrait and an 18-second video on Instagram to mark Prince George’s 13th birthday. The portrait, taken by Matt Porteous at Kensington Palace after the June 13, 2026 Trooping the Colour ceremony, shows the future king in a dark suit, white shirt and hands in his pockets. The caption read, “Happy 13th Birthday, George! ?”.
Background & Context
Prince George Alexander Louis was born on July 22, 2013, the first child of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, and is second in line to the throne. He has attended West Acre Montessori, Thomas’s Battersea and, most recently, the co-educational prep school Lambrook in Berkshire, finishing his term on July 4, 2026.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 22, 2013 | Birth |
| June 13, 2026 | Trooping the Colour |
| July 4, 2026 | End of Lambrook term |
| June 16, 2026 (scheduled) | Kensington Palace announced Eton enrollment |
| July 22, 2026 | Release of portrait and video |
Data & Statistics
Why It Matters / Impact
Turning 13 signals George’s transition from preparatory school to Eton College, the same institution attended by his father and uncle. The move places him in a highly public environment while the family balances privacy with his future duties. Royal experts note that the digital age adds new security and privacy challenges compared with previous generations.
Official Statements & Responses
Kensington Palace’s Instagram caption—“Happy 13th Birthday, George!”—served as the official announcement. The palace confirmed in June that George will begin boarding at Eton in September, emphasizing continuity with his father’s educational path.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the annual cost of attendance at Eton, ranging from $80,000 to $85,000 (U.S.) and £63,000 to £65,000 (British). No official figure has been released. Details about the specific security measures for George at Eton have not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Eton was a much-needed haven for William. It will give George a rigorous education that he will need for his role.” — Sally Bedell Smith, Royals Extra Substack
- “I would be surprised if Prince George didn’t immerse himself in sports at Eton,” — Kinsey Schofield, royal expert
- “William and Harry attended before social media transformed adolescence. George won’t have that luxury,” — Kinsey Schofield, royal expert
- “That means Prince George’s protection will almost certainly be more sophisticated, even if it’s designed to remain largely invisible,” — Kinsey Schofield, royal expert
- “Of course the big advantage is that he's near mum,” — Ingrid Seward, *My Mother and I*
