As the future King, Prince George is already being subtly prepared for his royal duties, even at the young age of 11. Royal expert Phil Dampier recently revealed how Prince William and Princess Kate are carefully guiding their eldest son, ensuring that his upbringing is both normal and mindful of his future role.

Throughout the summer holidays, Prince George has enjoyed quality time with his parents, who have emphasized balancing royal responsibilities with the freedom of childhood. Despite the royal obligations that await him, George’s life has largely mirrored that of any child from an upper-middle-class background. He spends time with his family, including his grandparents, the Middletons, and enjoys playing with friends like Ralph Tollemache at Helmingham Hall.

Dampier points out that while Prince George is slowly being introduced to royal duties—attending significant events like Trooping the Colour and the Coronation—he has also been exposed to more informal social settings. These include outings to football matches with Prince William and trips to Wimbledon with Princess Kate, where he has the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of people.

Royal commentator Judi James notes that these public experiences have noticeably boosted George’s confidence. From a shy boy, George has evolved into a more self-assured and joyful young prince, a testament to William and Kate’s hands-on parenting approach.

The key difference between George’s preparation and that of his grandfather, King Charles, is the emphasis on gradual exposure rather than overwhelming him with royal duties. Charles has previously spoken of the shock he felt when he realized his future was predetermined. To avoid this, William and Kate are taking a more relaxed approach, allowing George to grow into his role without the pressure that once burdened his grandfather.

As George matures, the couple plans to give him the tools to make his own decisions, including the possibility of attending university, rather than forcing him into roles he may not desire. They aim to strike a balance between preparing him for his inevitable future and allowing him to enjoy a normal childhood.

In the coming years, Prince George’s development will be closely watched, but with the strong foundations laid by his parents, he appears well-prepared to take on the responsibilities that lie ahead.