Prince George turned 13 on Wednesday – and marked the occasion by stepping further into the public eye with a birthday video that showed him following a distinctly paternal habit: wearing a smartwatch.
The future King was seen sporting a Garmin D2 Air X15 in the footage, a pilot-focused timepiece that mirrors his father Prince William’s well-known fondness for his Omega. William is rarely seen without his favourite watch, and George now appears to be taking after him.
“Prince George turned 13 on Wednesday, debuting a Garmin watch in his birthday video as he follows his father's watch-wearing tradition.”
The video was released on George's birthday, 22 July 2026, exactly 13 years after he was born at St Mary’s Hospital in London as the first child of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. His arrival marked only the second time three generations in the line of succession were alive at the same time.
George's childhood has been shaped by royal tradition and a gradual introduction to public life. At his christening in October 2013, he was given seven godparents, including William’s cousin Zara Tindall and her husband Mike, along with close friends of his parents. His first major royal appearance came at just eight months old, when he joined his parents on their royal tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2014. Since then, he has taken part in events such as Trooping the Colour and major family occasions.
Away from duties, George has inherited his late grandmother Princess Diana’s love of dancing. Prince William told BBC Radio 1’s Teen Awards: “George is doing dancing as well, he loves it. And my mother always used to dance, she loved dancing.”
The young prince has also developed a fascination with dramatic weather. During a visit to a children’s hospital, Catherine replied to a boy’s question about an impending thunderstorm: “Yes, I know all about those. George likes storms, too!”
Growing up with a father who served as a search and rescue pilot, George has developed an interest in aviation, attending air shows with William and showing enthusiasm for aircraft. He is a keen football fan – supporting Aston Villa alongside his father – and has visited Wimbledon with his parents and sister Princess Charlotte on several occasions. Catherine has been patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016.
Looking ahead, George will follow in the footsteps of his father and uncle by attending Eton College from September. Kensington Palace confirmed the news last month, marking the next chapter for the future King as he steps into his teenage years.