Back in 2016, Prince William told the BBC that he planned to someday tell his son Prince George, then three years old, about what it really means to be the heir to the throne, but he was focused on loving his children the same way any father would. Now, before George’s 10th birthday on July 22, one insider told People that William and his wife Princess Kate “are making George aware in the best way they can. And not making it too burdensome.”
Over the last few years, George was introduced to his royal role slowly, usually attending events with his sister, Princess Charlotte, at his side. But during the coronation in May, George had his first opportunity to take a special role at a royal ceremony, when he served as a pageboy without his siblings. Still, his parents’ comments at engagements make it clear that he still has normal experiences like doing chores on the farm, and playing an assortment of sports.
Another palace insider told People that William and Kate want to help George understand royal life while also experiencing a regular childhood. “It’s a massive balancing act,” the palace insider said. “William and Kate are doing the right thing, protecting him so he can have as normal a childhood as possible, but he’s also dipping into duties as a future monarch.” The source added, “He’s getting firsthand experience of what it’s like to be a royal and a monarch and firsthand experience of being a normal boy.”
George might be the one singled out for photos with his grandfather King Charles III, but his siblings Charlotte and Prince Louis are also getting a taste of what becoming a working royal might be like when they become adults. During the coronation, Charlotte wore an outfit that matched her mothers, including a silver tiara-like headpiece. Later that weekend, Louis went on his first official royal engagement, helping out a scouting troop’s community service project in Slough.
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