Prince George is all smiles as he celebrates his 12th birthday, and royal fans are loving the charming new photo and video released by the Prince and Princess of Wales to mark the occasion.

In a heartwarming birthday post shared on social media, the royal couple wrote: “Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George! 🎂”, alongside a new portrait of their eldest son. Dressed in a crisp striped shirt and forest-green fleece vest, George leans casually against a wooden gate, a cheeky grin on his face and a handmade friendship bracelet around his wrist, adding a playful, personal touch.

The photo, taken by photographer Josh Shinner, is set against a lush countryside backdrop and shows a confident young royal looking more like his father, Prince William, by the day.

Even sweeter, the royal family also treated fans to a behind-the-scenes video of George enjoying time with his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The trio can be seen giggling and playing in the garden, at one point lifting little Louis into the air before marching hand-in-hand toward the camera, grinning from ear to ear.

In one charming scene, the siblings stroll through the greenery together, their close bond on full display. Louis, with his signature toothy smile and khaki jumper, steals the spotlight yet again, a reminder that the footage was likely taken a few months earlier, around his birthday in April.

The candid footage has delighted royal watchers, with many speculating that more adorable snaps from the shoot may still be on the way.

As George enters his teenage years, royal fans are also wondering where the future king will attend secondary school. Will he follow in Prince William’s footsteps at Eton, or take after his mum, Princess Catherine, and head to Marlborough College? For now, George continues to study at Lambrook School in Berkshire alongside his siblings.

His last public appearance was at the Wimbledon men’s final earlier this month, and before that, he joined his family on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the Trooping the Colour celebrations.

As he steps into this exciting new chapter, one thing is clear: Prince George is growing up fast, and winning hearts while he’s at it.

Images: X (Formerly Twitter)