To celebrate Prince George’s 12th birthday, the Prince and Princess of Wales have released a new photo and video of their eldest son, continuing a cherished family tradition.

The newly shared portrait shows Prince George looking cheerful and at ease, leaning on a gate in the Norfolk countryside. Captured by photographer Josh Shinner, the future king wears a green gilet over a checked shirt and flashes a friendly smile. Notably, he sports a blue and white friendship-style bracelet on his left wrist—an accessory that seems to hold personal significance.

A Bracelet with Meaning

This isn’t the first time George has worn the bracelet. He had it on for last year’s 11th birthday photo, and again while attending the Euro 2024 final in Berlin alongside Prince William. Kensington Palace hasn’t revealed who gave George the bracelet, but he’s not the only royal to wear one—suggesting it might be a subtle family tradition.

Princess Charlotte wore a similar woven bracelet during a Wimbledon appearance last summer. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has also been spotted with one, and even King Charles was seen wearing a woven bracelet during both his tour of the Channel Islands and at the 2024 State Opening of Parliament.

Friendship bracelets have had a resurgence lately, partly due to Taylor Swift and her Eras Tour, where fans often trade bracelets at shows. Many believe the royal family started wearing them after George and Charlotte attended Swift’s London concerts with Prince William last summer.

During a visit to Cape Town last year, sharp-eyed royal watchers noticed William wearing a beaded bracelet that said “Papa”—a gift from one of his children. He later explained in an interview:
“Well, this is a, I think, a relic, if you like, from a Taylor Swift concert that my daughter decided that she wanted to create a bracelet for. She gave it to me when I came away. So I promised that I would wear it and try not to lose it while I was out here.”

Playful Moments with Siblings in New Video

Alongside the birthday portrait, the royal couple also released a heartwarming video showing George having fun with siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis during an outdoor photoshoot.

The footage shows George and Charlotte lifting a laughing Louis between them, with George holding him around the chest and Charlotte supporting his legs. The three children are also seen strolling together, hand-in-hand, through sunlit fields, with Louis happily walking in the middle.

The video ends with the siblings sitting together on a rustic wooden gate—Charlotte and Louis perched on top while George stands beside them—capturing a candid and affectionate moment between the royal trio.