As Prince George turns 12 years old today, a royal author describes how the second-in-line to the throne will be feeling on his birthday, as he celebrates his special occasion with his wider family. Royal author Duncan Larcombe exclusively told Express.co.uk that it will be a “poignant birthday” for the young royal.
The royal author explained: “12 years old is a bit of a crossroads for a lot of kids when they’re growing up. One more year and he’ll be a teenager, and he’ll be off to a different school away from his brother and sister. I think 12 is quite a poignant birthday 12. Kids do suddenly age quite quickly after 12 – they become little people rather than being a little child.”
Duncan’s thoughts are echoed by former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond as explained: “Being a ‘tweenager’ comes with a lot of challenges. It will seem to George that his world is getting bigger on every level: physical, mental, emotional and social.”
She added: “He must already have had a very emotional year and a half since his grandfather and his mother were diagnosed with cancer and now he knows that he is in his last year of being wrapped in the familiar blanket of living with his parents and siblings 24/7 before he moves to big school next September.”
She further said: “The decision about where he will go and study next has undoubtedly already been made, and I’m sure that George was very influential in it. Nevertheless, it’s a big change hovering on his horizon, and it’s bound to be quite unsettling.”
Prince George is set for a year of big change ahead, which is likely to bring some emotion for Prince William and Princess Kate as they watch their oldest son grow up. While he is currently enjoying the school summer holidays with his siblings Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, returning to Lambrook School in September is likely to be bittersweet.
This is because George will be starting his final year at the school in Berkshire, which he has attended alongside his siblings since the family moved to Windsor in 2012. After this next school year, the future King will have to move on to another school, with the chosen one yet to be announced by Kensington Palace.
Traditionally, Prince William and Princess Kate release a new photo of each of their children on their respective birthdays, with royal fans keen to see the new snap of George.
Last year, a black and white snap was taken by his mother, the Princess of Wales, to celebrate the special occasion. The photo of the prince, displayed in black and white, contrasts with the more casual image shared on his 10th birthday where he was seen sitting on steps, sleeves rolled back.
Prince George was born on July 22, 2013, in St Mary’s Hospital, London, during the reign of his paternal great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.