Prince George’s new drawing stuns many, including this person

Prince George’s detailed sketch of a kingfisher bird was featured in a special edition of Country Life magazine published on Nov. 11, 2026. While the drawing earned praise for its artistic quality, some observers noted its resemblance to a digital art lesson by Matt Fussell, the founder of The Virtual Instructor.

Key points:

• The kingfisher drawing was included in a nearly 300-page edition of Country Life magazine edited by Prince William.
• Prince George created the colored sketch of a kingfisher perching on a branch before turning 13 in July 2026.
• Matt Fussell, founder of The Virtual Instructor, stated that the drawing bears a striking likeness to one of his digital lessons.
• King Charles III has a documented interest in painting, specifically using watercolors.
• Princess Kate studied art at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Prince George‘s talent is impressing a lot of people.

A drawing by the future king was featured in a special edition of Country Life magazine that published on Wednesday Nov. 11, which was edited by his father, Prince William.

Tucked in the almost 300-page edition, is a detailed sketch of a kingfisher bird perching on a branch. The young royal drew the image, complete with fine strokes and various colors, before he turned 13 in July.

While many were quick to praise the young royal for his “incredible” artistic flair, others pointed out that the drawing looked familiar, speculating that George may have used an online tutorial to draw the bird.

Artist Matt Fussell, founder of The Virtual Instructor, tells USA TODAY in a statement Wednesday, Nov. 11, that he was “immediately struck” by the likeness George’s kingfisher had to the one in his digital lesson.

“While I can’t say for certain whether Prince George used my lesson, the similarities are certainly exciting to see,” he says. Fussell said that if the future king did use his lesson, he would be “absolutely thrilled.”

“It’s incredibly rewarding as a teacher to see someone take what they’ve learned and create something they’re proud of. And whether he followed my lesson or not, I think he’s done a wonderful job, and I hope he continues exploring his artistic abilities,” Fussell says.

Fussell adds that royalty or not, “seeing someone discover what they’re capable of creating is the best part of what I do. And if my lesson played even a small role in inspiring Prince George’s artwork, that would be a tremendous honor.”

Art runs deep in the royal family – just ask King Charles

On social media, many are speculating that George may have inherited the talent from his grandfather King Charles III, who has often spoken about his love for painting, particularly with watercolors.

When the Sultan of Oman embarked on a royal state visit to Windsor last month, Kate pointed out the king’s artwork. “These were painted by His Majesty,” she said, according to Hello magazine. “He’s a very good watercolorist.”

In January 2022, before he became monarch, Charles said that painting “transports me into another dimension,” as a sprawling display of his artwork went on display in an exhibition at The Garrison Chapel in Chelsea, London.

Others pointed out that George’s mother, Princess Kate, studied art at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews and shared in the past that she “loved” art class at school. The activity, she said, “expresses your creativity and can help your confidence,” People reported.

Country Life wrote that George’s sketch was “a picture of royal talent” and that the teenager “is following in his mother’s footsteps and learning to embrace the natural world – one drawing at a time.”

George began a new chapter in September when he started a this new school, Eton College, which was previously attended by his dad, William, and his uncle, Prince Harry. The boarding school for boys is a short distance from the Wales family home in Berkshire.

Attending the prestigious school costs around $84,400 per year and will be George’s educational home until he turns 18.

William and Kate have long spoken about the importance of nature and have encouraged all three of their children, George, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8, to spend time outdoors.

“The countryside is a place of escape for children, a place of peace and tranquility,” William said as he guest edited the magazine. “We encourage them to get outside as much as they can.”