Royal heir at 12: Prince George's transformation and new royal restrictions
The future king of the United Kingdom is growing up to be his father's copy (photo: Getty Images)
On Tuesday, July 22, Prince George celebrates his 12th birthday. A new photo of the heir to the throne is going viral online. How has the son of Prince William and Kate Middleton changed, and what is now forbidden to him?
Prince George is his father's copy
On the occasion of his birthday, the Prince and Princess of Wales delighted the public with a new portrait of their eldest son.
In the photo taken in the garden, George poses in a checkered shirt and a dark green fleece vest. The boy is looking more and more like his father.
The photo was taken by British photographer Josh Shinner, who had previously worked with the Wales family.
"Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!" the royal family congratulated the birthday boy.
Later, a behind-the-scenes video from the photo shoot also appeared online, showing George happily spending time with his younger brother and sister, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte.
Prince George's life
He is second in line to the British throne after his father, who will succeed Charles III.
Royal protocol sets specific security rules for the boy. Starting at age 12, he is no longer allowed to fly on the same plane or helicopter with the first heir to the throne, his father.
In this way, the royal family seeks to preserve the line of succession in the event of emergencies.
However, whether this rule will be followed in Prince William and Kate's family—only time will tell. Changes may be made with the King's permission. Moreover, the couple often breaks tradition to give their children a more "normal" life.
At the same time, George remains an ordinary boy: he plays tennis, is passionate about art, and happily attends football matches with his father.
This fall, he will complete his final year at Lambrook School. It is rumored that he will go on to attend Eton College, where Princes William and Harry also studied.
Earlier, we showed what Prince William and Kate's daughter looks like today
Sources: Instagram of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Instyle, The Daily Beast
