Future king prepares for Eton college

Prince George, second in line to the British throne, celebrated his 13th birthday as he prepares to follow in his father's footsteps by attending the prestigious Eton College, AFP reports.

A new photograph of the teenager was released on the Kensington Palace social media accounts to mark the occasion, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

The image, showing him wearing a black suit and white shirt, was also shared by King Charles and Queen Camilla's accounts with the message, "Happy Birthday."

George, the eldest of the three children of the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, could one day become king after his father. For now, he is preparing to begin classes this autumn at the elite boys' school Eton College, near Windsor, west of London, where many political leaders and members of the royal family have studied.

According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, the young prince is being "gradually introduced" to his future responsibilities, and his public appearances are expected to increase as he gets older.

George Alexander Louis was born on July 22, 2013, at St Mary's Hospital in London, attracting worldwide media attention.

In 2014, he made his first royal tour during his parents' visit to New Zealand and Australia. At just eight months old, the young prince, dressed in shorts and carried by his mother or father, quickly became the center of attention.

"Gorgeous George"

William, Kate, and their son initially lived in a rented home on the island of Anglesey, off the northwest coast of Wales.

Protected by his parents from media attention from an early age, George made only a few public appearances during his childhood. Every appearance by the prince—nicknamed "Gorgeous George" by the press—continues to receive widespread media coverage.

The prince usually celebrates his birthdays privately, with the family occasionally releasing official photographs.

"William and Catherine have successfully managed to raise him in as normal a way as possible," Richard Fitzwilliams told AFP.

In 2017, the family moved into an apartment at Kensington Palace in London, and George began attending a private school in the south of the capital.

In 2022, they relocated to their main residence in Windsor, where George attended the private Lambrook School alongside his sister Charlotte, 11, and his brother Louis, 8.

Football and helicopters

George has already taken part in several major public events. He is often seen with his siblings on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Colour celebrations. In 2023, he helped carry the robe of his grandfather, King Charles III, during the coronation ceremony.

Unlike his younger brother Louis, who is known for his playful expressions and lively personality, George generally appears calm, serious, and composed.

"He already seems to carry his role naturally," the royal expert said.

Last November, George accompanied his mother, the King, and the Queen at a remembrance event honoring soldiers who lost their lives in war.

Like his father, George is passionate about football and often joins William at matches involving their favorite club, Aston Villa.

He also attends the Wimbledon tennis tournament with his mother, Kate.

George has also shown an interest in helicopters and could one day follow his father's path. Prince William worked as an air ambulance helicopter pilot for two years.

Like his father William and his uncle Harry before him, George will receive personal security protection while studying at Eton, where annual tuition fees exceed £63,000 (around €74,000).

Photo: Instagram