Things you didn’t know about Prince George ahead of his third birthday

Prince George is saying goodbye to his ‘terrible twos’ and welcoming his third birthday on Friday, July 22.

Starts at 60 has no doubt the celebrations will be fit for a (future) king, with his father Prince William, mother Catherine and sister Princess Charlotte among the main guests.

Before celebrations get underway at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s country house, Anmer Hall, we’d thought we’d take a look at just how the little prince is progressing and reveal 10 interesting tid-bits about the young royal you might not have known.

1. He likes planes… A lot!

You’d have to think his helicopter pilot dad has a bit of influence here, with George fascinated by all things that fly. He was completed stoked when he get to sit in the cockpit of a Red Arrows jet at the Royal International Air Tattoo in June.

2. He also likes tractors
Not everything he likes has wings it would seem, and it turns out Prince George takes great delight in riding around his London palace in a toy tractor.

3. His favourite book is…

Fireman Sam! Catherine purchased a Fireman Sam story for £2 when she opened the new East Anglia Children’s Hospice in Holt, Norfolk in March telling staff “Fireman Sam is George’s favourite”.

That said, the little prince also likes The Gruffalo.

4. It doesn’t matter if it’s winter, Prince George is wearing shorts

Prince George is a fan of shorts and even wears them for official public engagements. He’s rarely seen out and about without a paid of trendy shorts on.

5. He’s apparently ‘advanced’ for his age
According to actress Sophie Winkleman who is married to Lord Frederick Windsor, George started talking early and is very advanced for his age. “He is a very clever, articulate little boy and was speaking long before other toddlers his age,” she revealed.

6. He calls Her Majesty ‘Gan-Gan’

7. He’s particularly well-travelled
Prince George took his first international trip when he was just nine months old, heading to Australia and New Zealand with his parents. It was his debut tour, and since he has travelled to Mustique and the Alps. Rumour has it the tiny tot will be heading off on another adventure with his sister, when he and his parents head to Canada.

8. He likes the farm life
The tractor could have something to do with it, but we’ve heard Prince George really enjoys a day out at the farm with family outings to Snettisham Farm Park, where he can feed and pat the animals, and Bucklebury Farm Park.

9. He’s getting the same education as his dad

Prince William and Catherine opted to send Prince George to a Montessori school when he first attended nursery. Both William and Harry attended a Montessori nursery. The education approach is one that is said to foster a child’s love of learning and encourages independence by providing an environment of activity and material that children can use at their own pace.

10. He’s a good big brother
A doting one in fact! There are only 21 months between Prince George and his little sister, Princess Charlotte.

What well wishes do you have for Prince George as he turns three? Do you remember how you celebrated the third birthday of you children and/or grandchildren?