Prince George turns 13: Palace releases official birthday portrait

Compared to earlier, more private snapshots on the children's birthdays, the new image appears noticeably more formal. "Das neue Bild erinnert aber schon eher an ein offizielles, royales Porträt," it was noted. It is also striking that George is seen in a suit rather than casual clothing, which is reminiscent of his father William: "Anstatt wie zuvor so oft in Freizeitkleidung, ist George in einem Anzug zu sehen – und erinnert dabei ein wenig an seinen Papa William."

A suit instead of casual clothing

How the royal offspring spent his birthday was not known. What is certain is that he does not have to go to school on this day, since the summer holidays have already begun in England. George currently still attends Lambrook School west of London together with his siblings Princess Charlotte (11) and Prince Louis (8).

A few weeks ago, the palace had already announced that George will attend the elite boarding school Eton College in Windsor from September. In doing so, he is following in the footsteps of his father Prince William, who was also a student at Eton. "Der Zweite in der britischen Thronfolge wird ab September das Elite-Internat Eton in Windsor besuchen," it was stated.

School changeover to Eton in September

The new images prompted numerous reactions on social media. One user wrote: "Ich kann es kaum glauben, dass er schon 13 ist, aber es ist so schön zu sehen, wie er mit seinen Geschwistern aufwächst." Another user commented: "Er ist ein so fescher junger Mann."

Most recently, George had been seen in public alongside his parents at the Wimbledon tennis tournament. Prince William and Princess Kate are both 44 years old. As second in line to the British throne, George moves closer to the top of the line of succession after his father William and his grandfather King Charles III.

Looking back: The birth 13 years ago

The world had already been looking to Britain on the day of George's birth on July 22, 2013. At that time, Kate and William appeared before the waiting press in front of St. Mary's Hospital in London just a few hours after the birth. Kate held the newborn George, wrapped in a white baby blanket, in her arms at this first official appearance.

Even though the palace did not reveal any details about the birthday celebrations, the new portrait marks another step in the public appearance of the growing royal. With the move to Eton in the coming school year, a new chapter also begins for George, one that will see him grow further into the role of a future king.