Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Princess Kate, has recently celebrated his 13th birthday, marking a significant milestone in his young life. As he approaches his teenage years, the young royal is increasingly mirroring his father, both in style and interests, sparking intrigue among royal observers.
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To commemorate his birthday last week, the royal family released a portrait and video featuring George, who bore a striking resemblance to his father, Prince William, as seen in a photo from 1995 when he was preparing to start his education at Eton College. This resemblance is particularly noteworthy, as George is set to begin his own journey at Eton this autumn, following in his father’s footsteps.
In the birthday video, George showcased a Garmin D2 Air X15 smartwatch, which is often associated with aviation enthusiasts. The watch, which retails at approximately £500, is designed for individuals passionate about flying, equipped with features such as aviation weather, flight logging, and an altimeter. This choice seems to reflect a shared love of aviation between George and William, the latter having served as an RAF search and rescue pilot.
However, George will have to wait a bit longer to fully utilise the capabilities of his new smartwatch. William and Kate have previously disclosed that they do not allow their children to use smartphones at home, and George’s future schooling at Eton follows a similar guideline. New students are provided with basic “brick” phones that do not have internet access, enabling them to communicate with family while minimising distractions from social media.
George’s interest in flying is not new; he took his first flight lesson nearly two years ago, shortly after his 11th birthday. Witnesses reported that both William and Kate watched proudly as George flew with an instructor at White Waltham Airfield, a location with historical significance due to his late great-grandfather, Prince Philip, earning his RAF wings there in 1953.
More recently, George accompanied his mother to the Royal Air Force base in Coningsby, where they explored various historic military aircraft. This visit served as a means for George to connect with the legacy of aviation and the individuals who have served in the RAF. The royal family’s social media accounts highlighted the importance of acknowledging the courage and dedication of those in the military.
Prince William himself received his RAF wings from his father, King Charles, at RAF Cranwell in 2008. Subsequently, he worked as an RAF search and rescue pilot in Anglesey and later transitioned into an air ambulance helicopter pilot role. These experiences have undoubtedly influenced George’s burgeoning fascination with flying.
As George prepares for his new chapter at Eton, family sources reveal that he is keen to emulate his father. This ambition may have swayed William and Kate towards choosing Eton as his secondary education institution, despite speculation that they might opt for a more modern co-educational setting. Ultimately, the palace confirmed that George would follow the path of William, Prince Harry, and many other royals by attending the prestigious all-boys school.
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith commented that Eton provided William with a much-needed sanctuary during his formative years. The institution, founded in 1440, has a longstanding reputation for academic excellence and has educated numerous British leaders, including 20 prime ministers. The annual tuition costs are around £80,000, making it a significant investment for the royal family.
Despite its elite status, Smith emphasised that Eton’s community has evolved over the years, and she believes the choice aligns with the goal of promoting George’s leadership qualities. Additionally, the school is conveniently located just 15 miles from the Wales family’s new home at Forest Lodge on the Windsor estate, enabling George to return home on weekends and stay connected with his family.
As Prince George embarks on this new chapter, his developing interests and educational journey reflect a blend of royal traditions and modern values, all while staying grounded in his family’s close-knit dynamic. With each passing year, it becomes evident that he is not just the heir to the throne, but also a young man with aspirations uniquely his own, shaped by both his heritage and contemporary influences.