Prince George affectionately called his father Prince William "papa" during a royal event in 2025, a lip reader has revealed. The young prince, who celebrates his 13th birthday today, is weeks away from starting secondary school at Eton College.
Lip Reader Spots 'Papa' Nickname
During the VE Day Celebrations in 2025, George attended alongside his mother Kate Middleton, sister Princess Charlotte, brother Prince Louis, his father, and other senior royals. A lip reader observed George tapping William to get his attention before exclaiming: "Papa, what a sound".
Earlier that day, they had attended a tea party for veterans where William spoke about George's interest in veterans and their wellbeing, as reported by LBC.
Significant Step for Future King
Royal commentator Emily Nash told Hello! that this appearance marked a significant step in George's journey towards becoming king. She said: "It was a lovely surprise to see Prince George joining the King and Queen and his parents for the veterans tea party at the Palace. It's a big moment for him as second-in-line to the throne and one he will remember for many years to come."
She added: "Both William and Catherine have spoken about their desire to teach their children about significant moments in history, such as the Holocaust, so this is another way for them to connect that wartime generation with their own next generation."
Eton College and Family Life
George celebrated his final day at Lambrook earlier this month before beginning at Eton College in September. His siblings Charlotte, 11, and Louis, eight, continue at Lambrook in Berkshire. At Eton, George will have 28 subjects to study, including "nine Modern and Classical Languages."
While William is said to be "thrilled" that his son will attend his alma mater, both he and Kate are likely to "be concerned" about their son's new experience. Outside official engagements, William and George enjoy attending Aston Villa football matches together, including a recent Champions League fixture against PSG.
William said of that match: "You know what, it's been 43 years since anything like this has happened in my generation as a Villa fan, and I want George to experience a night out away from home in a big European competition. I hope it's not 43 years until the next one happens, but I think those memories are really important to create and bringing him along tonight is a big deal for me."
