Prince George wears Taylor Swift friendship bracelet in birthday portrait
Eagle-eyed fans have spotted a surprise accessory the future king wore in his 11th birthday portrait, proving he is a big fan of Taylor Swift.
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Prince George has subtly paid homage to his Taylor Swift fandom in his 11th birthday portrait, just days after Princess Charlotte also sported the same accessory.
A very grown up black and white portrait of the future king of England was uploaded to Instagram and X, showing a smiling George sitting on a bench, dressed in a jacket and white shirt.
The picture, which was black and white, was taken by his mother, Kate, in Windsor earlier this month. The young prince can be seen wearing a friendship bracelet in his left wrist, proving he is a big fan of Taylor Swift.
The giving of friendship bands has become a fad of those attending Swift’s Eras Tour, which George attended last month, along with Prince William and Prince Charlotte.
The caption read: “Wishing Prince George a very happy 11th birthday today!”
King Charles, 75, has also been seen wearing what appears to be a “friendship bracelet” during his recent public appearances.
The monarch’s bracelet appears to be a red and white knotted bracelet, and is similar to two threaded bracelets worn by Princess Charlotte at Wimbledon.
Kate Middleton and Prince William celebrated their eldest son’s 11th birthday with a “private party,” in addition to a previously unseen portrait taken by his mum, which was posted to social media.
The New York Post reported that the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales marked their son’s birthday with a special day that was “as normal as possible” considering the difficult year the family has had so far.
Although George’s 2024 has certainly had its highlights so far, including meeting Taylor Swift and attending the Euro's match with his dad.
“Kate is still going to very much carry on like many, many other mothers do, to keep as much of a normal life as possible,” a palace insider told The Post.
Another palace source offered more details.
“With royal birthdays, especially with children and especially Catherine’s, they are very private occasions.”
As Middleton continues to undergo cancer treatment following her diagnosis in March, she’s making sure that George’s birthday party is just as fun as in years past, according to King Charles’ former butler.
“It will be business as usual with potentially a party or other kids coming round,” Grant Harrold told The Post.
“It won’t be a case of him sitting behind closed doors and not doing anything; there will be some sort of a celebration.”
“I’m sure he will get phone calls from his grandparents and other family members today,” Harrold said, adding that the Waleses are “very serious about their privacy.”
In previous years, Middleton, 42, and William have thrown lavish birthday parties for their kids, and have even invited their children’s classmates to the celebrations.
Harrold noted that the mum of three even invited other mothers to attend the festivities that she and William had hosted.
But George’s birthday stands to look a little different this year considering the challenges the family has been faced with.
“Of course it’s going to be very different from last year, but they will go out of their way, I’m sure, to make George’s birthday as normal as possible this year,” Harrold said.
“They wouldn’t want to make George think this year is any different. Yes, it will be different, for obvious reasons, but the parents will want him to have a normal birthday.”
And according to the former royal butler, who had previously worked for King Charles for seven years, royal parties don’t differ too much from the average children’s birthday bash.
“A royal birthday party is very much like a normal birthday party. It is slightly different as their homes are slightly different to the average home,” Harrold explained.
“As far as the actual morning, it will be a typical morning with birthday cards, gifts and phone calls. In the afternoon, for the senior royals, it is business as usual with a few cakes along the way.”
A comment on the Instagram post read, “Happy Birthday George. You’re looking dapper. What a beautiful portrait.”
Many well wishers noted just how much the prince looks like his father, with one writing, “Prince George looks so much like his Dad.”
“Gorgeous George! Happy 11th birthday and another stunning portrait by your mother,” another fan commented.
Prince George Alexander Louis was born in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London on 22 July 2013.
As per tradition, he was revealed to the world on the hospital steps one day later, cradled in his mother’s arms.
He was christened on 23 October 2013. One of his godparents is Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, who celebrated his wedding earlier this year.
Young George will be the 43rd monarch to wear the crown if he follows the footsteps of his grandfather, King Charles, and then his father, Prince William.
George is the second in line to the British throne, following the death of his great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth in 2022.
The prince began his formal education at Westacre Montessori School in Norfolk and then continued his education at Thomas’s Battersea School when the family moved permanently to Kensington Palace.
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