Prince George turned 13 on Wednesday, celebrating privately with family. No photographs from his actual birthday were shared, but Kensington Palace released a new photograph taken after Trooping the Colour last month. The image shows George in a shirt, suit blazer and trousers outside Kensington Palace, smiling with his hands in his pockets.
Birthday Posts Omit Royal Title
The caption read: "Happy 13th Birthday, George!" Later, a video from a family holiday earlier this year was shared, showing George playing cricket with siblings, petting the family dog, enjoying a boat trip, playing on the beach, and exploring rocks. The caption said: "Thank you for all the birthday wishes for George today!"
Observers noted that both posts referred to the prince simply as "George," rather than using his title "Prince George." While no official reason was given, it is thought that Prince William and Princess Catherine aim to give their children as ordinary a childhood as possible, using titles sparingly, especially while they are children and not working royals.
Royal Titles at School
George, Charlotte and Louis do not use their royal titles at school, instead using their parents' title as a surname. Prince George is believed to be known as "George Wales" in the classroom, a nod to his parents being The Prince and Princess of Wales. He is expected to go by a similar name when he moves to Eton in September.
