Prince William and Kate Middleton shared a new photo of their eldest son, Prince George, on their social media accounts in celebration of his 10th birthday – which fell on Saturday (July 22). “10 today! Wishing Prince George a very happy birthday,” the Prince and Princess of Wales wrote in the caption.
In the photo – which was taken by Millie Pilkington earlier this month in Windsor – George is sitting on a set of concrete steps wearing a striped blue button-down shirt, blue-green khaki pants, brown dress shoes, blue dress socks, and an enormous smile that shows just how much he has grown over the years.
This isn’t the first time Pilkington has photographed the family. In fact, she took a photo of William with his two sons, Prince George and Prince Louis, and daughter, Princess Charlotte – which was shared by the family on Father’s Day. They also shared one of Millie’s photos of Charlotte for her birthday on May 2.
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Just a few hours after Prince William and Kate Middleton shared the new photo of Prince George, the 10-year-old’s grandparents – King Charles and Queen Camilla – re-posted the photo with birthday wishes of their own. “Happy Birthday to Prince George!” they wrote alongside a birthday cake emoji.
Prince George has had quite an eventful summer so far – especially since school is out and he has all the time in the world to spend with his family. Last week, the family made a surprise appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo – the world’s largest military air show held annually at Royal Air Force Fairford.
The family ended up taking a tour of the airplane that transported Queen Elizabeth’s body from Scotland – where she passed away on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96 – to London – where she was laid to rest in the King George VI Memorial Chapel in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on September 19.
Just a few days after that trip, Prince George was spotted at Wimbledon – one of tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments – in London with his father, Prince William, and sister, Princess Charlotte. It marked the second consecutive year that Prince George was seen at the Royal Box, but Charlotte’s official debut.
Where is Prince George in the Line of Succession?
As it stands right now, Prince George is second in line to the British throne – right behind his father, Prince William, who is the current heir apparent to the throne. His younger sister, Princess Charlotte, is third in line for the throne, while his younger brother, Prince Louis, is fourth in line for the throne.
While his parents do an incredible job of ensuring he has as normal of a childhood as possible, the 10-year-old is well aware of his status in the Royal Family and knows he will likely become king someday. Still, it’s something his parents are very careful with – considering how sensitive of a subject it can be.
“[They] are doing the right thing, protecting him so he can have as normal a childhood as possible, but he’s also dipping into duties as a future monarch,” one source told PEOPLE. “He’s getting firsthand experience of what it’s like to be a royal and a monarch and firsthand experience of being a normal boy.
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Just two months ago, Prince George made history as the youngest future king to play an official role in a crowning – which he did during the May 6 coronation of King Charles. He served as a Page of Honor and was joined by Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, Master Nicholas Barclay, and Master Ralph Tollemache.
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