To celebrate Prince George’s 12th birthday, the Prince and Princess of Wales have released a charming new portrait of their eldest son. The image, shared via Kensington Palace’s social media accounts, shows the young royal smiling warmly as he leans on a rustic wooden gate, set against a scenic backdrop in Norfolk.

Captured by photographer Josh Shinner earlier this year, the relaxed photo reveals George in a white checkered shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a dark green fleece gilet, and a simple blue and white friendship bracelet adorning his wrist. The birthday message accompanying the post read: “Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!” with a celebratory cake emoji.

Now just a year away from his teenage years, George is nearing the end of his time at Lambrook School, where he has one academic year left before moving on to a senior school. Speculation continues about whether he will follow in his father’s footsteps to Eton College or attend Marlborough College, the alma mater of his mother, Catherine.

Prince George has made several public appearances in recent weeks, most notably joining his parents and younger sister Princess Charlotte at the Wimbledon men’s final earlier this month. In a sweet sibling moment, he was also seen gently reminding Prince Louis to wave politely to the crowd during the Trooping the Colour celebrations in June.

Born on July 22, 2013, in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London, Prince George Alexander Louis weighed 8lb 6oz at birth. He made his first public appearance the next day, wrapped in a soft white shawl and cradled in the arms of his mother on the hospital steps — a moment watched around the world.

As the future king enters his final year of prep school and continues to grow into his royal role, this new portrait offers a glimpse of the poised and confident young prince he is becoming.