Prince George is now “undoubtedly aware of his future role” as monarch, a royal commentator has claimed.
Royal historian Marlene Koenig opened up about the second-in-line to the throne shortly after his 12th birthday at the end of July.
She suggested that George’s “proper awareness” of what lies ahead likely began after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Since then, he has joined senior royals at a number of public engagements, signalling his growing understanding of the role he will one day assume.
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Prince George ‘most certainly aware of his future’ as royal duties begin to ramp up
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Koenig added that Prince William and Princess Kate have probably discussed “these changes” with their eldest son.
Prince George’s increasingly public position was highlighted during King Charles III’s Coronation in May 2023, where he served as one of the King’s train bearers, a first for a young royal.
“George is the first member of the Royal Family to have such a role in the service,” Koenig told Us Weekly. “If the young prince was nervous, he didn’t show it.”
She noted how William and Kate, both 43, looked on “with pride” as George took part in the historic ceremony.
Prince George, Prince William and Princess Kate pictured at a tea party earlier this year
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“The Coronation provided the young prince with the knowledge that he, too, would one day be crowned in a Coronation ceremony,” she added.
“George may be a 12-year-old schoolboy who loves sports, but he is most certainly aware of his future.”
Turning 12 also comes with new responsibilities and restrictions. It has been widely reported that under royal protocol, George and William are no longer permitted to fly together, a precaution designed to protect the line of succession in the event of an emergency.
As he enters this next phase of life, George is expected to learn “firsthand about the responsibilities as heir to the throne” from his father.
Prince George is currently second-in-line to the throne
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Royal author Robert Jobson echoed this gradual approach to royal duties, explaining last year that George’s preparation is being carefully managed.
“It gave him a real sense of the grandeur and all the expectation. I thought that was quite important actually for George,” Jobson told the publication, referring to George’s prominent role in the Coronation.
He added: “I think it was very important that he played that part as a page boy at the King’s Coronation.”
According to Jobson, the plan has always been to ease George into his role so as not to overwhelm him. “It’s a gradual process of preparing him,” he said, “without overwhelming him or freaking him out.”