Prince George is on the brink of a new chapter: his teenage years. Just weeks away from turning 13, the second in line to the throne is looking more and more like a young gentleman instead of a child.
That was clear as he stepped out for his grandfather King Charles' fourth birthday parade as sovereign. George was joined by his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as they attended Trooping the Colour alongside their parents on June 13.
A young man
George's latest public appearance sparked comments among social media users, with one writing: "Prince George mania looms," suggesting that the "Willsmania" that surrounded his father, Prince William, during his teenage years could soon be repeated. Meanwhile, another wrote: "Wow, Prince George already has the commanding presence of a future King."
Dressed in a navy suit and baby blue tie that complemented the Princess of Wales' Catherine Walker coat dress, the soon-to-be teenage Prince stood tall beside his mother as members of the royal family gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Just 11 years ago, George made his first-ever appearance on the iconic balcony during Trooping the Colour, weeks before his second birthday (July 22).
In the years since his Trooping debut, royal watchers have seen George return to the balcony for the annual event, growing up before their eyes. This year, as he prepares to become a teenager and head off to a new school, his growth is more noticeable than ever.
"Prince George's facial expressions are no longer childlike and carefree, but more mature now, like a young man with considerations and responsibilities," body language expert Inbaal Honigman observes, telling HELLO!: "The most telling change is in the positioning of his eyebrows."
© Samir Hussein/WireImageInbaal explains: "Whereas children often sport the raised and rounded eyebrows of carefree wonderment, the young royal is seen here with his eyebrows lowered and flattened. Very much like his father Prince William's signature eyebrows, these low and flat eyebrows communicate a maturity which is linked with deep thoughts and with taking care of others. The responsibility of attending such an important event, seen by many, with younger siblings is etched on Prince George's face, as he might be perturbed by their unpredictability."
"In addition, the [second] in line to the throne is seen breathing deeply. His chest rises and falls as he demonstrates responsibility beyond his years. This deep breathing is self-soothing as the occasion overwhelms him a little," Inbaal continues. "There's a lot going on with George's lips as he bites his lower lip at one point, then licks his lips, both facial expressions are linked with tension. But despite the tense expressions, the young Prince's gently parted lips through most of the scene are reassuringly calm. When someone is anxious, their lips would be tight and mouth closed. The future King's lips are open, revealing that he is at peace."
© Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty ImagesA new era awaits
George has grown not only in height, but also confidence. "I think William and Kate's approach to parenting has given them this confidence," HELLO!'s Royal Editor Emily Nash said of the Wales children. "They have a loving and stable home life where they are free to be themselves and that's what we see reflected in the way they carry themselves on occasions like [Trooping the Colour]."
George is expected to leave home this year as he continues his education at a new school. While his plans have yet to be confirmed, Prince William's alma mater Eton College is said to be a frontrunner, with Catherine's former school Marlborough College and Wellington College also possible contenders.
During an episode of HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast this past March, Melanie Sanderson, managing editor of The Good Schools Guide, said: "I feel as though the Waleses may be holding multiple places at different schools. It sort of feels as though if they had made a definitive decision, somebody would know and it would be out there."
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