Growing up royal has never been simple, but for 12-year-old Prince George, the journey to one day becoming King of the United Kingdom has been handled with unusual care by his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales. According to royal historian Robert Lacey, Prince William deliberately delayed telling George the truth about his future until “the last possible moment,” ensuring the young prince could enjoy as normal a childhood as possible.
George’s destiny has been clear since his birth in 2013, yet it wasn’t until around the age of seven that he was told about his role in the monarchy. During those early years, William and Kate emphasized normality—school drop-offs, sports practice, and family holidays—shielding him from the enormous weight of the crown. “It shows special care and thoughtfulness,” Lacey explained. “It also tells us something about how William himself felt about the burden of kingship.”
The decision reflects William’s own experiences. As royal biographer Andrew Morton has written, young William himself grew up unaware of his status until classmates bluntly pointed it out. When asked if he “knew the Queen,” William simply replied, “Don’t you mean Granny?” That innocence quickly faded as he was thrust into public duty. Determined not to repeat the same pattern with his eldest son, William carefully crafted a timeline that balanced George’s right to a childhood with preparing him for his inevitable role.
In recent years, George has begun accompanying his parents to select engagements, such as meeting World War II veterans at a VE Day tea party and attending Wimbledon. Insiders say these experiences are designed to gently introduce him to the responsibilities of royal life without overwhelming him.
Lacey also notes the language William likely uses with his son: choosing “destiny” over “duty.” While “duty” can sound restrictive, “destiny” frames George’s future as purposeful—a calling rather than a cage. That choice of words reflects the evolving philosophy of the Waleses as modern royals determined to raise their children with empathy, balance, and freedom.
For now, George remains “the most normal future monarch Britain has ever had,” according to observers. But as the reality of his role sets in, the world will be watching to see how William and Kate’s thoughtful parenting shapes the next generation of the monarchy.
