Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 22, 2025 · Entertainment

Royal Rites and Reflections: Prince George Turns 12

On this day 12 years ago, a wood-and-gold easel announced the birth that was celebrated all over the world as Prince William and Princess Catherine welcomed the birth of their son and heir to the throne

ROYAL ROMANCE: The Birth of Prince George - A Decade of Dramatic Changes in Royal Traditions!

It's hard to believe it's been 12 years since the world was introduced to a little prince who would change everything! On July 22, 2013, Prince William and Princess Kate welcomed their firstborn son, Prince George Alexander Louis, to the world. The bells of Westminster Abbey rang out in celebration, landmarks lit up blue, and gun salutes echoed across London, Bermuda, New Zealand, and Canada.

As we look back on that momentous day, it's clear that the royal couple was determined to break free from traditional royal protocol. Kate, then just 31 years old, stunned in a light blue polka dot dress, white heels, and minimal makeup as she greeted the world's media at the Lindo Wing. Her flawless appearance set a new standard for royal mothers, making it clear that they would no longer be confined to frumpy hospital gowns.

Within hours of Prince George Alexander Louis, Kate appeared on the steps of the Lindo Wing looking immaculately put-together to greet the world's media camping outside

But not everyone was thrilled with Kate's glamorous debut. An insider claims that Meghan Markle felt sorry for Kate after her public appearance following Prince George's birth and subsequent photo calls at the Lindo Wing. Apparently, Meghan saw these appearances as overly demanding for a new mother, putting undue pressure on Kate to present a perfect image shortly after giving birth.

Meghan and Harry, however, took a very different approach when their son Archie was born in 2019. They kept his arrival private, opting out of the traditional Lindo Wing photo call and instead choosing a carefully managed photocall at Windsor Castle with just a handful of press present. For that occasion, Meghan stunned in a crisp white belted blazer dress by British designer Grace Wales Bonner.

The couple's decision to keep Archie's birth private marked a significant shift in royal traditions, as did their use of social media to announce his name. It seemed that the Sussexes were determined to modernize the monarchy and make it more relatable to the average person.

Meghan Markle reportedly felt that the Lindo Wing appearances were a stressful and unnecessary tradition

As Prince George approaches his 13th birthday, he's growing into a charming young man with a sense of duty to uphold the traditions of the Crown. But as he takes this important step towards his future role as King, he'll likely feel a sense of responsibility to maintain the high standards set by his parents.

In a recent interview, Kate confessed that she found it "terrifying" to debut her three children to the world on the steps of the Lindo Wing. She revealed that she and William were both conscious of the public's excitement and the support they received after George's birth. But as new parents, they were also uncertain about what lay ahead.

It's clear that Kate has come a long way since those early days as a mother. Her ability to balance royal duties with her family life has earned her praise from around the world. And as she prepares to take on an even more significant role in the royal family, it's safe to say that Prince George will be watching his mother closely.

William and Catherine leaving St Mary's Hospital with newborn son Prince George

As we look back on the past decade, it's clear that the royal family has undergone significant changes. From Meghan and Harry's decision to keep their son's birth private to Kate's continued commitment to her royal duties, it's been a wild ride. And with Prince George approaching adulthood, we can't help but wonder what the future holds for this young prince.

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • Various royal insiders and sources

Prince George was born at 4.24pm on July 22, 2013, weighing 8lb 6oz, at the same Paddington Hospital that his father was delivered at 31 years earlier

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William carries George in a baby carrier to a car waiting for them outside the hospital

William and Kate smile with Princess Charlotte as they leave the Lindo Wing on May 2, 2015

Diana leaves the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital following the birth of Prince Harry on September 16, 1984

Prince Archie was born in the Portland Hospital in Westminster and his birth was only announced after the family of three had returned home to Frogmore Cottage

The world has watched George grow from a cheeky toddler into a charming young man. Pictured: Brothers Louis (L) and George (R) leave Buckingham Palace ahead of Trooping the Colour ceremony

Just like his pa! George and William are seen during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa FC at Parc des Princes on April 9, 2025

William and George showed their close bond during the men's singles final at Wimbledon

In February 2020, Kate admitted that she found it 'terrifying' to debut her three children to the world on the steps of the Lindo Wing