A new photograph shows Prince George with his hands in his pockets, wearing an open-necked white shirt and dark suit, marking his 13th birthday. The image, taken by photographer Matt Porteous at Kensington Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony, signals a more grown-up look as the young prince prepares to start secondary school at Eton College in September.
George is the elder son of the Prince and Princess of Wales and is second in line to the throne. He turns 13 on 22 July 2026. This year, he will become a boarder at Eton, one of the UK's most elite private schools, where his father Prince William, uncle Prince Harry, and great-uncle Earl Spencer all studied. Eton has 25 boarding houses, each with approximately 55 pupils looked after by residential staff headed by a house master. George previously attended Lambrook School in Berkshire with his siblings Charlotte and Louis.
“Prince George's 13th birthday and move to Eton explained, highlighting royal tradition and the heir's growing public role.”
The transition to secondary school is a big change for any child, and Prince George is no different. Prince William and Catherine have tried to create as normal a family life as possible at their home, Forest Lodge. But George's childhood has been lived in the public spotlight, with gradual introductions to royal duties - including helping at a homeless charity with his father and attending Trooping the Colour with the King.
For UK readers, George's move to Eton is a familiar royal tradition but also a reminder of the monarchy's continuity. As he becomes a teenager, he takes another step towards his eventual role as king. The choice of Eton reflects a deliberate path set by his parents, mirroring William's own education. It also ties into wider public interest in how the royal family prepares its heirs for future responsibilities.
Q: Why is Prince George going to Eton? Eton College is a prestigious all-boys boarding school near Windsor, where his father Prince William studied and enjoyed his time. George will follow in William's footsteps, with entry typically at age 13.
Q: What does Prince George do as a royal? He is second in line to the throne and has gradually been introduced to public roles, such as accompanying Prince William to a homeless charity at Christmas and joining senior royals for Trooping the Colour.
Q: How does Prince George's life differ from other children? While his parents try to maintain normal family life at Forest Lodge, George lives in the public spotlight and has been photographed for official portraits since birth. His education at an elite boarding school is also part of royal tradition.
What happens next: George will begin boarding at Eton in September 2026, marking a major milestone in his upbringing. His public appearances will likely become less frequent as he focuses on his studies. The palace continues to release official photographs on significant birthdays, and his role in future royal events will develop over time.
