Prince George’s Relaxed 12th Birthday Portrait Unveiled by Kensington Palace
Hey, I’m Riley Carter. Alright, but here’s the vibe: Prince George just turned 12 and his latest official portrait dropped with that effortless cool we all wish we had.
On July 22, the Prince and Princess of Wales took to Instagram to share a fresh snap of their eldest son standing with folded arms as he leans on a wooden fence. The image was captured by photographer Josh Sinner and published on their verified account under the caption Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George. As second in line to the British throne, George clearly has grown into his role with a laid-back confidence.
This year’s release continues a family tradition that dates back to 2017. Last July, George sported a sharp black suit jacket over a crisp white collared shirt, but it was his colourful friendship bracelet that stole headlines. Sources suggest he collected that braided accessory at Taylor Swift’s London concert weeks before his big day, and it made a cameo in the larger image shared on his parents’ Stories. Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar noted that playful detail as a sign of his generational crossover appeal.
Earlier in April, William and Kate marked Prince Louis’s seventh birthday with another candid portrait by Josh Sinner. Louis, who had just lost his two front teeth, flashed a wide grin in a dark green sweater over a plaid button-down, seated on a stone bench framed by lush greenery and purple blooms. The photograph was widely praised by People Magazine for capturing that endearing mix of boyish charm and royal composure.
Meanwhile, Princess Charlotte’s most recent birthday portrait was personally shot by Kate Middleton in May. Charlotte beamed on a grassy hill, dressed in a camo-print jacket with her blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. The Wall Street Journal highlighted how the setting echoed the family’s love of the outdoors and underscored Kate’s growing reputation as a skilled amateur photographer.
Beyond birthdays, Prince George has made memorable appearances at major royal events. He waved from Buckingham Palace balcony after King Charles III’s coronation and joined his parents at the Guinness Six Nations rugby match in February. In May, he practiced archery at a Big Help Out event in Slough, and over the summer he and Charlotte cheered on Carlos Alcaraz at the Wimbledon men’s final. Each public outing offers a glimpse of a reluctant but dedicated young prince.
As he celebrates this milestone, it’s clear that George’s portraits offer more than a cute snapshot. They reinforce a narrative of a modern monarchy that balances tradition with a hint of playful irreverence. Expect more moments that humanize this generation of royals.
Okay cool, so like, yeah, that happened.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
