Kensington Palace Releases New Photo of Prince George for 13th Birthday

A new photograph of Prince George has been issued by Kensington Palace to mark his 13th birthday.

The photo, showing George standing with his hands in his pockets and wearing an open-necked white shirt and dark suit, was published on social media with a message which read "Happy 13th birthday, George!" alongside a party popper emoji.

The picture was taken at Kensington Palace last month straight after the Trooping the Colour ceremony, by photographer Matt Porteous.

George, the elder son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is second in line to the throne.

This year's birthday photo is more formal than last year's, which had a rural setting and showed the prince in a countryside-style gilet and wearing a friendship bracelet in Norfolk.

The more grown-up look comes as George, now a teenager, gets ready to start secondary school in September.

The prince will follow in his father Prince William's footsteps and go to Eton College, an elite private school where entry usually begins at the age of 13.

Prince William, interviewed when he was aged 18, had spoken of enjoying his time at Eton. The boarding school for boys is also close to where the Wales family live on the Windsor estate.

Prince George's uncle, Prince Harry, and great uncle, Earl Spencer, also studied at Eton.