Over the weekend, Prince George, the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, quietly celebrated his 12th birthday with a small, private family gathering at Anmer Hall. But while the world offered their well-wishes to the future King, it was one deeply personal gift from his parents, Prince William and Princess Catherine, that has captured the public’s attention — and hearts.
According to a palace insider, George received a restored wooden compass and map set that once belonged to Prince William’s late mother, Princess Diana. The set, originally given to a young William during his childhood by Diana herself, had been carefully preserved and recently restored in time for George’s special day.
“It wasn’t about the value of the gift,” the source said.
“It was about the meaning. William wanted George to feel connected to the past… and to the grandmother he never had the chance to meet.”
The compass — engraved with a small “D” — was presented to George in a velvet box, along with a handwritten note from Catherine that read:
“To our curious, kind-hearted explorer — may this guide you, always.”
The gesture has struck a chord with royal fans, with many calling it “the most thoughtful royal gift in years.”
In an age of tech and distractions, the decision to gift something rooted in heritage and symbolism shows just how grounded William and Catherine are in raising their children with both tradition and purpose.
“George may be turning 12,” one royal commentator noted, “but this gift reminds us he’s also walking toward a destiny that began generations before him.”
📸 Photos of the gift and more moments from George’s birthday weekend available in the comments below.
As Prince George takes another step closer to his future role, it’s clear his parents are making sure he never forgets where he comes from — and who quietly walks with him still.