Princess Catherine and Prince William recently shared a black-and-white picture of their handsome eldest son posing in a chic suit. The post was dedicated to mark Prince George’s 11th birthday. It has since sparked a flurry of reactions from fans who were delighted to see the second successor to the throne.
A hearty happy birthday to Prince George, who turns 11 today, July 22! To celebrate his big day, the young royal’s doting parents took to Instagram to share a photo of him smiling and looking dapper in a black suit. Many who have seen the snap can’t help but swoon over how much Prince George resembles his father.
Fan comment about Prince George, posted on July 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Alongside the black-and-white image of the young prince, which was taken by his mother, Princess Catherine, Prince William penned a short and sweet message to their son. “Wishing Prince George a very happy 11th birthday today!” the caption reads.
Although the post has only just been published, comments have already begun pouring in. “He’s the [spitting] image of his father, honestly. Happy Birthday, George! 🎂❤️ And how is he 11 already? 😱” wrote a fan.
Prince George and Prince William during the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee in London, England on June 4, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Echoing the sentiment, another chimed in with, “Prince George looks so much like his Dad 😍😍😍.” An admirer praised, “What a handsome young man. Well done William and Catherine.”
Others found themselves taken aback by the Prince and Princess of Wales’ choice to use a black-and-white picture. “Stop using black and white photos! I [think] someone is dead every time,” remarked a social media user. Similarly, another expressed, “[Happy] birthday 🎊🎂. [Almost] got a heart attack why the photo is monotone 😭😭😭.”
Prince George after the Coronation of King Charles III & Queen Camilla in London, England on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Prince George’s birthday has always been celebrated by the public, just like the day he was born (July 22, 2013). News of his birth alone prompted a global celebration.
The day after his birth, July 23, Prince William and Princess Catherine stood on the steps of the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital to give the public the first glimpse of their firstborn before his dad secured him safely into his car seat.
Princess Catherine and Prince William with Prince George after the day of his birth in London, England on July 23, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Another interesting detail concerning his birth is the fact that Prince George’s parents only announced his name the day after he was brought home from the hospital. On July 24, Princess Catherine and Prince William notified the public of their son’s full name—George Alexander Louis.
Princess Catherine and Prince William with Prince George visiting the Sensational Butterflies exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London, England on July 2, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Formally known as Prince George of Cambridge, the young royal is set to take over the King of England’s throne after his dad. In the line of succession list, Prince George is second to claim the British throne.
Serving as king is not the only huge endeavor he has upcoming for him. He, along with his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will face a momentous call of duty for their country when they are older.
During the general election campaign on May 23, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a major policy announcement that will impact the futures of the young royals. He pledged to bring back National Service for 18-year-old British citizens.
This now means that Prince George and his younger siblings will be expected to either spend a year in the military or spend a weekend each month volunteering in the community as part of Conservative plans.
The Tories (Rishi’s Conservative political party) have clarified that there are only a few exemptions involved in this policy. However, these limited exemptions don’t include barring royal children from participation.
Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Princess Catherine during the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II in London, England on June 5, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
In addition to the Wales children, their relatives, the kids of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will also be eligible for National Service once they turn 18. Joining them in the mix is Prince Edward’s 16-year-old son, James, Earl of Wessex.
James, Viscount Severn at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II in The Guildhall, London on June 3, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
As the eldest of the three, Prince George will be first in line to serve under the National Service in July 2031. Next will be his younger sister, Princess Charlotte, and then the youngest of the family, Prince Louis.
Rishi and his political party have also shared their plans to encourage teenagers to join the military program. As a bonus, those who join might get better job security when they look for work.
One way to make this favor happen is to create faster ways for people to get into graduate programs and government jobs. Another idea is to encourage employers to hire people who have served in the Armed Forces.
There is also potential for participants to make mention of their military experience on their UCAS apprenticeships and university applications.
In order to finalize the possible incentives, there will be a plea for a new Royal Commission to be set up, which will also confirm the few exemptions, if any. The plan thus far, is to have a total of 30,000 slots available for the military scheme each year.
Explaining the logic behind this revived policy, Rishi disclosed, “National Service schemes in countries around the world show just how fulfilling it is for young people. We want to make sure Britain’s future generations can get the most out of National Service, that’s why we’re looking into ways it can open doors they wouldn’t otherwise get in work or education.”
Rishi pointed out that this plan is similar to what many other countries do. For example, in South Korea, all healthy men have to serve in the armed forces for 18 to 21 months under a conscription system.
Israel provides another example of making military service compulsory for most men and women over the age of 18. Sweden has a similar policy set up which states that every citizen has to complete a military enlistment from the year they turn 18. Should they be selected from that enlistment, they then have to enroll for basic military training.
While the Tories’ National Service policy is mandatory for all teenagers, including those with jobs, on gap years, or in college, there will be no criminal sanctions for refusing to participate.
Home Secretary James Cleverly, who is in support of the proposal, explained that the overall plan is to create a sense of unity among people, in addition to providing opportunity.
“The point we’re making is a really important element of this is mixing with people outside your usual social circle […] parents particularly very, very keen for their children to be involved in this kind of stuff,” highlighted James.
However, not everyone is ecstatic about the plan as there have been objections from opposing parties like the Labour Party, who think the proposal will not work out. They argue that Tories will just end up costing the country a fortune more so than add any value.
Either way, should the Tories have their way, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte will participate in the National Service.
Though it’ll be a first for the young royals, they will have the guidance of their doting dad, Prince William, who has an illustrious military portfolio having served full-time for seven and a half years.