Prince George turns 13 today, and his early months were spent in Wales with his parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton. After his birth in 2013 at St Mary's Hospital in London, the family lived on the island of Anglesey while William was stationed at RAF Valley as a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot.
Fond but challenging memories
The couple had fond memories of their time on the island, but it wasn't without difficulties. Kate said: "I had a tiny, tiny baby in the middle of Anglesey. It was so isolated, so cut off. I didn't have any family around and he (William) was doing night shifts."
Despite this, Anglesey holds a special place for the family. It was William and Kate's first home together after their marriage in 2011. During a return visit, Kate told Group Captain Steve Bentley and his wife Fyona: "It was such a special time for us. It was the start of our life together really."
'Beautiful and welcoming'
William called Anglesey the most "beautiful" place he had known. He said: "I know that I speak for Catherine when I say I have never in my life known somewhere as beautiful and as welcoming as Anglesey. This island has been our first home together, and it will always be an immensely special place for us both."
During their time on the island, William and Kate rented Bodelwyddan Cottage, a four-bedroom farmhouse on the historic Bodorgan Estate. The estate, owned by Lord and Lady Meyrick, is in a secluded spot near the coastal village of Rhosneigr, with private access to a sandy beach for privacy.
Leaving Anglesey
After leaving with infant Prince George, they moved to Kensington Palace, and William said they would "miss it terribly". Flight Sergeant Rob Linfoot, who worked with William, recalled how the crew once bought William tea towels and cups with his and Kate's faces printed on them as a joke. He said: "Everyone gets a named cup or a named badge. I think people went above and beyond and got him a few extra bits and pieces. Always nice to have a bit of memorabilia around the room. He was so much fun and really down to earth when you were on shift."
