Happy birthday, Prince George! Today, the eldest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales turns 12.
A new portrait of the future King has already been released on social media as the celebrations get underway for his big day.
However, while a birthday is always supposed to be a joyous occasion day, there are a few reasons why this year things are looking a little bit different for the young Prince.
As he gets older, George will start to take on more royal duties and responsibilities that prepare him for the day in the distant future when he’ll lead the royal family.
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And there are three big choices, changes, and traditions that need to be decided as the son of Prince William and Kate Middleton reaches this milestone.
Will Prince George be separated from his father when travelling?
Arguably, the biggest change that Prince George is set to be faced with is linked to a royal tradition that was put in place to keep the monarchy stable and the line of succession intact.
From now on, if Kate and Will opt to follow the rule, the 12-year-old won’t be allowed to travel anywhere with his dad.
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This is because two royal members in line for succession can't be together when travelling after they reach the age, in case of a worst case scenario such as a plane crash.
While it might seem dramatic, it’s simply to make sure that at least one heir to the throne is protected to keep the monarchy going.
And George likely won’t be travelling alone - he’ll still be allowed to travel with his mum, of course - the family may just have to split up.
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It’s also important to note that we don’t know whether the Prince and Princess of Wales will abide by this rule, although it’s looking likely since Prince William and Harry were both subject to it when they turned 12.
William wasn't allowed to fly with his father, King Charles III, or his little brother Harry again once he reached the age.
It simply depends on whether they decide to keep up the tradition or scrap it instead, either way, I’m sure we’ll find out soon.
Will Prince George go to boarding school?
And as if the travelling rule wasn’t enough, another question that’s come into play means the youngster could be even further separated from his family.
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As he’s now coming up to secondary school age, Kate and William are faced with the decision all parents know well - which one to send your child to.
An official statement revealing the news of which school George is set to attend is yet to be released.
It was initially reported that he would be whisked away to the all-boys private boarding school, Eton college.
The institution charges a whopping £21,099.60 per half-term, and both his father and uncle Prince Harry both attended.
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However, other reports that have emerged are claiming that Kate is fighting to keep him at a school closer to the family in London.
For example, the very school his mum attended, Malborough College, could be thrown into the mix.
Will Prince George take part in a controversial centuries-old royal tradition?
Finally, as Prince George gets older, he’ll get to take part in more royal traditions - even the ones that not everyone agrees with.
He’s expected to travel to the Balmoral Estate in Scotland at some point this summer, according to royal author Duncan Larcombe, per the Express.
There, he could potentially join his father on a stag-hunting shoot, and even might be faced with a ‘ritual’ associated with it.
The author wrote: “The palace has refused to comment on claims that Prince George will be initiated into one of the slightly more gruesome royal traditions this summer.
“It was reported that he will join his father on a stag-hunting shoot while they visit the Balmoral Estate this month.
“Traditionally, the blood of a hunter’s first kill is spread on their face, a ritual that goes back centuries.”
A tradition gruesome in name and nature.
He added: “Years ago, Kate joined the royals on a shoot, but it’s unclear whether George will be expected to follow suit.”
Prince Harry even detailed his own experience with something similar in his 2023 memoir Spare, recalling the time his hunting guide Sandy pushed his head inside a stag carcass.
He wrote: “He placed a hand gently behind my neck, and… pushed my head inside the carcass.
“I tried to pull away, but Sandy pushed me deeper. I was shocked by his insane strength. And by the infernal smell. My breakfast jumped up from my stomach.
“After a minute I couldn’t smell anything, because I couldn’t breathe. My nose and mouth were full of blood, guts and a deep, upsetting warmth.”
Tyla contacted has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
Topics: Prince George, Royal Family, Kate Middleton, Prince William, UK News
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Madison Burgess