Prince George celebrated his 13th birthday on July 22, marking a significant milestone as he prepares to enter his teenage years with a lifestyle distinctly different from that of previous royals. To mark the occasion, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a brief video and new portrait of their eldest son, filmed during a recent family holiday in Cornwall. The short montage captures George engaging in everyday childhood activities such as playing cricket, exploring the seaside barefoot, and interacting with the family dog, reflecting a relatively grounded upbringing despite his royal status.
In September, Prince George is set to begin attending Eton College, following in the footsteps of his father, the Prince of Wales, and his uncle, the Duke of Sussex. However, experts note that his experience at Eton will diverge in key ways from those of his predecessors. The institution, which charges fees of around £63,000 annually, has recently enhanced its facilities with a new aquatic center and is in the process of constructing a £30 million indoor sports complex. More notably, the school now places a significant emphasis on pastoral care and mental health support, a shift from the culture that prevailed when William and Harry were students there.
Melanie Sanderson, managing editor of The Good Schools Guide, explained that modern boarding school life involves carefully structured schedules and more attention to student well-being. She highlighted that weekend activities for younger students often include trips to local entertainment venues, and older pupils gradually gain increased freedoms, such as supervised outings to town and controlled access to beer at the school’s bar in later years. Traditional practices, like the "fag" system involving younger boys serving older students and formal “capping” ceremonies, have largely been discontinued.
Prince George’s upbringing has been notably more understated compared to that of his father and uncle. For instance, while Prince William’s 13th birthday reportedly included a risqué cake gifted by Princess Diana, and Harry was known for a rebellious reputation at school—complete with a “blooding” ritual marking his passage to adolescence—George’s lifestyle appears more conventional. His outdoor pursuits focus on tennis, cricket, and football, activities he is likely to continue at Eton.
Regarding technology use, William and Kate Middleton have agreed that George will carry a basic mobile device, often referred to as a “brick” phone, without internet access. This decision stems from parental concerns about exposure to inappropriate online content and follows discussions between father and son. William acknowledged the challenges of parenting in the modern age, describing it as a process without a clear manual and emphasizing a pragmatic approach.
As Prince George embarks on this new chapter, his transition into adolescence reflects both continuity in royal tradition and an adaptation to contemporary parenting and educational standards. His path toward adulthood contrasts with the more flamboyant or privileged experiences of previous generations, suggesting a deliberate effort to balance royal duties with a more grounded childhood.