A heartwarming moment from Prince George’s childhood has resurfaced online following the airing of a special 60 Minutes Australia episode on February 23. The episode, which featured insights from Prince William’s former communications secretary, Jason Knauf, delved into the Prince of Wales’ life, including his handling of Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis and his strained relationship with Prince Harry.
Among the touching memories revisited was Prince George’s special encounter with former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2016. The young royal, dressed adorably in his pyjamas and dressing gown, was allowed to stay up past his bedtime to greet Barack and Michelle Obama at Kensington Palace.
Reflecting on the sweet moment, Jason Knauf shared: “It was slightly before his bedtime. They [William and Kate] were like, ‘Well, it’d be nice to have this memory of him saying hello to this historic president.’”
During the visit, Prince George was seen playing with a very special gift—the rocking horse the Obamas had gifted him in 2013 following his birth. The handcrafted toy, commissioned by the White House from the Stevenson Brothers, featured a saddle adorned with the presidential seal.
According to Forbes, similar rocking horses range in price from $2,000 for simpler designs to over $8,000 for custom, highly detailed pieces—making it a truly unique and treasured keepsake.
In addition to the rocking horse, President Obama also sent Prince George a wooden mallet for playing polo. The mallet was crafted partly from a branch of an oak tree that once stood on the South Lawn of the White House, adding a historical touch to the thoughtful gift.
These cherished items were later displayed as part of Buckingham Palace’s Royal Childhood exhibition in 2014, highlighting the many meaningful gifts received by the young prince.
