Prince George Gets Casual on the Beach for His Ninth Birthday

We’ve gotten used to seeing Prince George in a suit and tie at events over the summer ranging from the Platinum Jubilee Party at the Palace to his Wimbledon debut at the men’s finals two weeks ago. But to celebrate the prince’s ninth birthday on Friday, Kensington Palace has released a picture of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s oldest child wearing a casual light blue polo. The photo, which was taken by Kate, shows the prince standing on a beach with a big grin, looking quite a bit like his father.

William and Kate shared the photo on their social media accounts with the caption, “​​George is turning 9!” followed by birthday cake and balloon emojis. The main royal family account also celebrated George’s birthday by sharing a photo of the heir to the throne standing with Queen Elizabeth on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the jubilee. The account also shared footage of the Irish Guards, which count William as their colonel, playing “Happy Birthday” in the palace courtyard. 

According to the Telegraph, the photo was taken while the family was traveling in the U.K. earlier this summer, shortly after school let out for summer break. Last week, the family caused a craze on TikTok when they were seen walking to a helicopter in summer clothing, accompanied by their cocker spaniel, Orla. 

Though the family hasn’t confirmed a move, multiple reports have indicated that the Cambridges are planning on setting up a new primary residence in Adelaide College on the Windsor Great Park estate, where they can be closer to Queen Elizabeth’s home in the castle. The family is looking for a new school for George and his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis near their new home, and according to Express, George spent a trial day at Lambrook, a private school nearby in Berkshire back in April.