Prince George turns two: what Kate Middleton is planning for his low-key 2nd birthday party at Anmer Hall

From auntie Pippa’s party planning to uncle James’s customised cakes, here’s how we imagine the royal day will go down
Prince George and Prince William (Picture: WPA Pool / Pool)
Liz Connor22 July 2015

It’s been a big week for A-list tots. While it was reported that North West has just hired her own personal trainer, across the Atlantic, Prince George is preparing to be royally spoilt as he celebrates his second birthday today.

Although the Duchess of Cambridge is keeping tight-lipped about the big day, we do know that family will mark the occasion at Kate’s Norfolk home, Anmer Hall.

But throwing a party for a two year old, whether royal or not, isn’t an easy task - research shows that 64 per cent of parents compete to throw the best party for their kids and 84 per cent find the experience stressful.

Luckily, Kate has a family of party planning experts on hand to make the day fit for a prince. From the food and drink to the guests and venue, here’s what we can expect from the intimate birthday bash.

The party planner

Kate has reportedly done most of the organising herself, and with Prince William only a week into his new role as a pilot with the East Anglian Ambulance, we imagine she’ll be drafting in some of her close family members to make sure the day runs smoothly - and if there’s one thing the Middleton’s know how to do, it’s throw a good party.

Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton will likely be her main consultant for everything from decorations to guest lists, having released her own party-planning book ‘Celebrate’ in 2012. Within the book, Pippa informs her readers on how to decorously throw every type of celebration - from children’s parties to New Year’s Eve celebrations. One thing’s for certain - Kate has likely stolen a few handy tips on entertaining from her little sister ahead of the big day.

The cake

There’s no question where the birthday cake will be coming from - Kate’s brother James Middleton owns his own confectionery empire, which specialise in themed children’s cakes. His business, Cake Kit Company, are well known for printing personalised cupcakes which have gone down well at previous Middleton-thrown soiree’s. His second business, Boomf, has expanded into marshmallows with edible pictures printed on them, which we imagine will be served canapé-style to Prince George’s friends. Perhaps Prince George will plump for a cake featuring the characters from his favourite book? (Which is reported to be 'Dig Dig Digging').

The decorations

Kate can be thankful that she doesn’t have to source the party decor herself - the Duchess’s parents Carole and Michael have been running their own party supplies business for over 25 years. Party Pieces are expected to provide everything from themed table decorations and goodie bags and to bunting and balloons for Prince George’s day. Let’s not forget - George's first birthday party was organised by Carole Middleton and had a Peter Rabbit theme.

Prince George - in pictures

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The venue

Great grandma will be providing the party venue of choice - Anmer hall is a ten bedroom country house on the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, which Kate and Wills relocated to in 2013. There’ll be plenty for the young guests to enjoy, as the property has recently undergone a £1.5 million refurbishment, and boasts its own private tennis court and swimming pool.

The guests

The Queen is expected to be in attendance alongside Carole, Michael, Pippa and James Middleton. Grandfather Prince Charles is not expected to attend as he is away on official duties.

Living in Norfolk means that William and Kate are near Prince George's godfather William Van Cutsem and his wife Rosie, who live in Hilborough, just 40 minutes from Anmer Hall. William's cousin Laura Fellowes lives relatively nearby as well in West Norfolk, and his school friend Archie Soames is in West Barsham Hall in Fakenham.

Also expected to be in attendance will be the Duchess’ “Mary Poppins” nanny, who grabbed headlines earlier this year at Princess Charlotte’s christening - thanks to her old-fashioned Norland nanny uniform.

The outfit

Of course the big question of the day will be “what will Prince George be wearing?” closely followed by “where can we order it on the Internet?” For his last birthday, Prince George kept it casual in a pair of adorable denim dungarees, while he at his sister Charlotte’s christening he solidified his style icon status in an embroidered shirt and red shorts. Let’s hope close friend Mario Testino is on hand to record today’s sartorial turn.

Prince George at his sister Charlotte's christening (Photo: AFP PHOTO / POOL / CHRIS)
AFP PHOTO / POOL / CHRIS

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