Twelve years ago, the world stopped to celebrate a royal baby — and now, that little boy is stepping closer to his future role as king.
Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Princess Catherine, turns 12 today.
And while most kids his age are just thinking about birthday cake and presents, George’s big day also marks a key moment in his royal journey.
Let’s rewind to where it all began: a moment that sparked global joy and set the tone for a new generation of royals.
The Day the World Met Baby George
On July 22, 2013, bells rang from Westminster Abbey, gun salutes echoed across London, Bermuda, New Zealand, and Canada, and even landmarks were bathed in blue to announce a royal boy had arrived.
Born at 4:24pm weighing 8lb 6oz at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington — the same hospital where his father, Prince William, was born — George Alexander Louis came into the world already in the spotlight.
Just hours later, the world met him for the first time outside the Lindo Wing.
Kate, then 31, stood on the steps of the hospital with a glowing smile, effortlessly styled in a light blue polka dot dress and white heels, her newborn cradled in her arms as William stood by her side.
The moment was powerful — not just because of who they were, but because of how real Kate looked.
A Modern Royal Mother in the Spotlight
While many praised Kate for showing the world what motherhood really looks like — including her visible post-baby bump — others questioned the tradition of the hospital photo call. Some saw it as empowering.
Others, including Meghan Markle, reportedly found it concerning.
Sources claimed Meghan felt sympathy for Kate, believing the pressure to appear picture-perfect just hours after giving birth was too much for any new mum.
She was said to be especially uncomfortable with how royal tradition demanded such a public moment during a deeply private time.
Meghan and Harry Break from Tradition
When Meghan and Prince Harry welcomed their son Archie in 2019, they took a different path.
They skipped the Lindo Wing and instead kept Meghan’s labour and delivery private.
Archie was born in London’s Portland Hospital, and the couple only announced his arrival once they had returned home to Frogmore Cottage.
A couple of days later, they posed for photos at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Hall, keeping the press pool small and the moment on their terms.
Meghan wore a crisp white blazer dress by Grace Wales Bonner with her signature nude heels, looking sleek and elegant but in control of how she presented herself.
They even shared Archie’s name in a modern way — via Instagram.
Kate’s Glamorous But Grounded Public Debuts
Despite the differing views, Kate stuck with tradition for all three of her children’s births — George, Charlotte, and Louis — each time emerging from the Lindo Wing looking polished, composed, and joyful.
In 2018, after giving birth to Prince Louis, Kate wore a bright red dress with a lace collar, nude suede heels, and her hair perfectly styled.
Some felt this level of glam — so soon after labour — was unrealistic for most women.
But others saw it as her way of showing strength, continuity, and gratitude for public support.
Kate later opened up about how daunting those moments really were.
Kate Admits the Truth Behind the Smiles
In a candid 2020 podcast appearance on Happy Mum, Happy Baby, Kate admitted that stepping out with a newborn to face a wall of cameras was “slightly terrifying.”
She told host Giovanna Fletcher: “Everyone had been so supportive… and actually for us to be able to share that joy and appreciation with the public, I felt was really important.
But equally it was coupled with a newborn baby, and inexperienced parents, and the uncertainty of what that held — so there were all sorts of mixed emotions.”
Kate’s honesty made her even more relatable to mothers everywhere who know the whirlwind of those early hours after childbirth.
A Dress That Echoed Diana’s Legacy
Kate’s polka dot dress wasn’t just a fashion choice — many believe it was a subtle, heartfelt nod to Princess Diana, who also wore a blue polka dot dress when introducing Prince William to the world in 1982 on those same hospital steps.
With her own glam squad ready inside the hospital, Kate showed up looking calm and confident, blending tradition with modern mum energy.
George Steps into a New Phase of Royal Life
Now, as George celebrates his 12th birthday, he’s no longer just the nation’s cheeky little prince.
From this age, royal protocol dictates that he can no longer fly on the same aircraft as his father — a rule to protect the line of succession.
This new responsibility, small as it may seem, is a reminder of the life George is being prepared for.
Like his mum before him, he will one day balance public expectations with private feelings.
Looking Ahead with Hope — Just Like the Queen Said
In her 2013 Christmas broadcast, Queen Elizabeth spoke about George’s birth with warmth and wisdom, saying a new baby brings “happiness and hope” and a chance to think about the future.
She added that for new parents, “life will never be quite the same again.”
And here we are, 12 years later, watching that baby grow into his future role — carrying on the legacy while walking his own path.