As future King, Prince George's entire life has been mapped out for him, much like the life of his father, grandfather, and great-grandmother before him.
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Understanding his destiny
Prince George, unlike other young boys his age, has his entire life mapped out for him from the moment he was born. Prince George is destined to be Sovereign like his grandfather King Charles III and great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II before him.
Although the circumstances surrounding how and when Prince William told Prince George about his unique destiny are unknown, royal experts believe the young Prince is now aware that he would be King one day.
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The Mirror reports that Robert Lacey, royal author of Battle of the Brothers, speculates in an updated version of his book that Prince William would have told Prince George about his future around the age of seven.
The author notes that Prince William and Princess Kate will have likely sat down with the young prince in a 'controlled moment of their choice'. Mr Lacey suggests that the decision to tell Prince George about his life of 'royal service and duty' stems from Prince William's alleged unhappiness about the haphazard way he found out about his destiny.
In 2016, when asked by the BBC about what he thought of becoming King, Prince William replied:
I certainly don't lie awake at night waiting or hoping for it because it sadly means my family has moved on, and I don't want that.
A sentiment that Prince Harry echoed in 2017 when he declared that nobody in the royal family wanted to be King or Queen, per Express.
Despite the weight of the responsibilities that come with being second in line to the throne, Express notes that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have tried to give Prince George and his siblings as normal a childhood as possible.
Preparing for his destiny
According to The Mirror, as future King, Prince George will likely receive'leadership lessons' to help prepare the young prince for a life of service and duty, despite not becoming King for many years.
As the young Prince grows, he will become a senior royal and be expected to support an array of individuals and charities from all walks of life. Championing charities, either as patron or president, will be a crucial aspect of Prince George's life.
The publication notes that while studying at Eton College, Prince William used to have tea with the Queen at Windsor to help the future King prepare for his destiny. According to Mr Lacey, the Queen took a particular interest in the young Prince William. Together, they would open state boxes and go through the different papers.
Prince George can likely expect similar special lessons, teaching the young Prince about official duties, the constitution, and the importance of the Commonwealth.
The Mirror notes that Prince George's school also reinforces leadership and the art of 'giving back'. Students of Lambrook School can undertake many charitable activities and visit their partner school near Durban, in the Republic of South Africa.
The headmaster said:
They come back as better individuals.
Express notes that royal expert Mr Larcombe believes that Prince George doesn't yet fully comprehend his destiny but that Princess Kate 'has got the journey planned'.
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Mr Larcombe points out that during the 2020 Euro finals, Prince George was not wearing an England shirt but a 'grown-up suit'. People questioned this decision. The expert believes that by refusing to let her son wear a football shirt, like a 'normal eight-year-old', Princess Kate 'was showing George that being 'on duty' requires a different approach'.
Sources used:
- The Mirror: 'Prince George's leadership lessons to prepare him for his future role'
-Express: 'Prince William's 'unhappiness' made him tell Prince George he will be King'
- Royal.uk: 'Prince George'
Read more:
⋙ Here’s why Prince George wore a navy-blue suit to the Queen’s funeral
⋙ Prince George's birthday tradition started by Lady Diana is a 'nightmare' for Prince William
