The Prince
HBO Max's "The Prince" animated series will center on Prince George as a rude character. (Photo: Phil Noble/REUTERS)

Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Princess Kate, celebrated his 11th birthday on Monday, with his parents sharing a heartwarming new portrait of the young royal. The black-and-white photo, taken by Princess Kate, features George dressed in a blazer and white shirt, smiling warmly at the camera. The image was posted on Instagram with the caption, "Wishing Prince George a very happy 11th birthday today!"

George, born on July 22, 2013, is second in line to the British throne after his father, Prince William. Over the years, his birthdays have been marked by special portraits often taken by his mother, who has a passion for photography.

Last year, George's 10th birthday was celebrated with a photo of him sitting on a stone staircase, wearing a blue and white checkered shirt with teal pants. His siblings, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, are also frequently featured in family portraits that capture the everyday moments of royal life.

In a recent family moment shared on Father's Day, Princess Kate posted a photo she took of Prince William with their three children on the beach. The caption read, "We love you, Papa. Happy Father's Day G, C & L." These glimpses into their family life offer a blend of royal tradition and personal touch, endearing the family to the public.

 

Prince George's public appearances are relatively rare but significant. He and Prince William attended the UEFA European Championship final in Berlin on July 14. Earlier in the summer, William took George and Charlotte to a Taylor Swift concert, where the pop star shared a selfie featuring the family.

Princess Kate has been notably active in capturing these family moments, despite facing personal challenges. Earlier this year, she stepped back from public duties after revealing a cancer diagnosis in March. In a candid video, she shared the emotional journey of explaining her health situation to George, Charlotte, and Louis. "It took time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that's appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I'm going to be OK," Kate said.

Her public return came in June at the Trooping the Colour event, celebrating King Charles' birthday. Kate's appearance was met with a standing ovation, highlighting the public's support and admiration. She also attended the men's singles final at Wimbledon, accompanied by Princess Charlotte, marking her second public appearance since her diagnosis.

Social media users expressed their affection for Prince George and the royal family upon seeing the new birthday portrait. Comments included praises like, "He's such a gentleman!!" and "HE'S GROWING UP SO FAST! I can't believe it!" The shared sentiment reflects the public's attachment to watching George grow up.

Reflecting on his journey, George's life has been under the public eye since his birth. He has gracefully grown into his role, often described as a young gentleman. As the future king, his upbringing balances royal duties with childhood normalcy, a testament to William and Kate's parenting.

Princess Kate's involvement in her children's annual birthday photos is a cherished tradition. Despite her health battles, she has continued this practice, capturing the essence of their childhood. In her March statement, she assured the public and her children of her recovery, saying, "I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirits."