As Prince George celebrated his 12th birthday this Tuesday, fans of the British royal family flooded social media with heartfelt tributes and nostalgic videos. One of which featured a surprising and hilarious moment involving former US President Barack Obama.
Royal watchers and loyal supporters of Prince William and Kate Middleton took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to mark the future king’s special day with well wishes, rare childhood clips, and tributes to his steady royal upbringing.
Among the most shared posts was a throwback video of President Obama humorously recalling his unforgettable meeting with a very young Prince George during a 2016 visit to Kensington Palace.
In the clip, Obama jokingly addressed a high-profile audience at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where he lightheartedly recounted how George had greeted him—not in formal royal attire, but in a bathrobe and slippers.
The president delivered the anecdote with comic flair, earning laughs from a star-studded crowd that included the likes of Emma Watson, Kerry Washington, and Tom Hiddleston.
“It’s not just Congress. Even some foreign leaders have been looking ahead, anticipating my departure,” Obama quipped. “Last week, Prince George showed up to our meeting in his bathrobe. That was a slap in the face. A clear breach of protocol.”
The charming story not only reminded the world of George’s cheeky royal debut in front of a world leader—it also underscored the down-to-earth parenting style of William and Kate, who allow their children moments of normalcy despite their high-profile status.
The original 2016 meeting took place during an official visit by Barack and Michelle Obama, where the former president joined the Cambridges for dinner at Kensington Palace. The adorable moment when George met Obama in his robe instantly went viral at the time—and clearly hasn’t lost its charm.
Now, almost a decade later, fans still recall that playful moment with fondness, using it as a reflection of how far Prince George has come—from a bathrobe-clad toddler to a poised young royal on the path to kingship.
Royal fans reposted the clip as part of a wider birthday celebration across social media, with one user writing, “From bathrobes to future king vibes—Prince George has grown up so fast.”
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Another fan noted, “Still one of the best royal moments of all time. Obama handled it like a champ, and George totally stole the spotlight.”
Prince George, now second in line to the throne, has taken on an increasingly public role over the past year, attending key royal events like Trooping the Colour and Wimbledon with his parents and siblings.
This year, Kensington Palace shared a striking new photo of George to mark his 12th birthday, capturing his confidence and growth. The portrait, reportedly taken by Princess Kate herself, received widespread praise for showcasing the young royal in a relaxed yet regal pose.
Even Buckingham Palace, via King Charles and Queen Camilla, reposted the image and offered their own birthday message: “Wishing a very happy birthday to Prince George!”
As the heir to the heir, George’s every step is watched with great interest. But fans are especially drawn to these candid, lighter moments that show his human side something Kate and William have carefully cultivated over the years.
The viral resurgence of Obama’s “bathrobe” joke proves just how endearing Prince George has become to the public, even outside the UK. It’s a reminder that behind the royal titles and tradition lies a boy who once casually greeted a U.S. President before bedtime.
And with the world watching him grow, it’s clear that George has inherited not only the royal bloodline but also a healthy dose of charm, humor, and relatability that could one day define his reign.
