Behind the Lens: How Josh Shinner Captured Prince George's Milestone Moment
ROYAL SHOCKER: Prince George's 12th Birthday Marks a Bizarre Change in Royal Protocol
As Prince George celebrates his 12th birthday, he's not only growing up but also facing a significant change in royal protocol that will affect him for the rest of his life. The future king's parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, have decided to mark this milestone with a sweet film and a new image, captured by none other than high-profile photographer Josh Shinner.
The Birthday Boy
In the adorable footage, Prince George is seen larking about with his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis behind-the-scenes at his birthday photoshoot in Norfolk. The images showcase George's growing maturity, dressed in a white checked shirt layered with a khaki gilet as he smiles directly into the camera.
But what makes this birthday even more significant is that it marks a turning point for Prince George's royal protocol. According to royals expert Richard Fitzwilliams, from his 12th birthday onwards, George will no longer be permitted to fly on the same plane as William, a rule designed to protect the line of succession to the British crown.
The Royal Rule
This strict rule has been enforced since Prince Charles's time as heir to the throne. Speaking to The Scholarly Note.com, Richard explained: "To ensure the continuity of the institution, King Charles and Prince William never travel together. When Prince George turns 12 on July 22, the rule will apply to him but not to his siblings."
A Tragic History
This rule was established following a string of tragic deaths in the family involving aircrafts. Richard noted that Prince William of Gloucester died in a plane crash in 1972, while Prince George, Duke of Kent, also died in a plane crash in 1942. These tragedies have only served to reinforce the Royal Family's belief in ensuring the heirs travel separately.
A New Era
As Prince George gets older, he will be expected to attend more and more official royal engagements. In May, George joined other members of the Royal Family for a tea party at Buckingham Palace to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The future monarch looked natural as he chatted away to World War Two veterans alongside his parents.
School Daze
The Prince and Princess of Wales face the big decision of deciding which school George will attend once he turns 13 next year. In April, it was reported that Prince George visited Eton College before the boarding school broke up for the Easter holidays to see where he would stay if he goes to his father's alma mater next year.
The Preferred Choice
Although George might be expected to follow in his father's footsteps and attend £63,000-per-year Eton, it remains unclear if he will do so. There has been speculation that George could follow the example of his mother, the Princess of Wales, and her siblings, Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, and attend Marlborough College, the Wiltshire boarding school where annual fees are £59,000.
The Final Verdict
In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note.com, royals expert Richard Eden said that Eton remains the family's preferred choice as William, Catherine, and their three children live mainly at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park, which is just a short walk away. George has four terms left at Lambrook School, in the Berkshire countryside, where his sister, Princess Charlotte, aged nine, and Prince Louis, six, are also day pupils.
The Wait is Over
So, what's next for Prince George? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - he's growing up fast!