Prince George’s break from ‘structured’ way of life with ardour that retains him ‘grounded’

The Prince and Princess of Wales delighted royal followers on Tuesday as they took to Instagram to share a brand new picture of Prince George to mark his twelfth birthday.

The eldest Wales baby was seen smiling as he stood for the picture, taken by Josh Shinner, in Norfolk, close to the household’s house at Anmer Hall. The beautiful shot was in a single key means harking back to the photographs shared by the royal household earlier this 12 months to mark Princess Charlotte’s tenth birthday and Prince Louis’ ninth birthday – it was taken outdoor.

© Josh Shinner

While George and Louis have been each photographed in Norfolk, Charlotte was seen swapping her candy tea clothes for a camouflage jacket as she smiled for the snap taken by her mom Kate on an iPhone, throughout a visit to Cumbria earlier this 12 months.

Put the three photographs collectively and one factor about William and Kate’s brood turns into clear – all three kids share a love of the outside.

The royal kids’s love of the nice outdoor

“It’s wonderful to see that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis all have official birthday portraits taken outdoors, it sends a really positive message about the value of outdoor play,” Dr. Amanda Gummer, Chair of the Assoc of Play Industries and Founder of FUNdamentally Children, tells HELLO!. 

© Getty Images

“Children naturally gravitate towards the outdoors because it offers freedom, variety, and endless opportunities for discovery. Whether it’s climbing, running, getting muddy, or spotting bugs, outdoor play fuels children’s imaginations and supports healthy development.

© WPA Pool

Dr. Amanda provides: “For royal children, whose lives are understandably more structured and scrutinised, outdoor environments can offer a rare sense of freedom and privacy. It’s also a great leveller – jumping in puddles or digging in the dirt is fun for all children, regardless of background!

© Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace

“The royal children’s evident love of the outdoors is a reflection of their parents’ values too. The Prince and Princess of Wales have spoken often about the importance of nature and mental wellbeing, and it’s clear they’re passing this on to their children in a very grounded way.”

An inherited ardour

As Amanda suggests, a love of the nice outdoor is actually one thing the youngsters have inherited from their mother and father.

© Getty

In a video marking the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, Kate spoke of the facility that point in nature had in her personal life throughout her preventative most cancers therapy.

“Over the past year, nature has been my sanctuary,” the princess stated, narrating the clip of her tending to her backyard.

© Getty

“The natural world’s capacity to inspire us, to nurture us and help us heal and grow is boundless and has been understood for generations. It is through nature that we can fully understand the true interconnectedness of all things, the importance of balance and the importance of renewal and resilience.”

Likewise, William is a passionate advocate for the setting and in 2018 spoke in regards to the significance of youngsters getting access to nature.

© Getty

“One lesson that we will take home with us, is that children are actively encouraged to spend time outdoors, whatever the weather,” he stated throughout a go to to Sweden the place he realized in regards to the nation’s strategy to training.