Kate Middleton and Prince William Made a Surprising Parenting Choice About Prince George’s Future

He is the future king after all

PrinceGeorge Future
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Parenting is challenging enough but doing it under the royal spotlight? That’s the reality for Prince William and Princess Catherine, who are raising Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis while balancing tradition, titles and tabloid headlines.

And when it comes to their oldest, Prince George, who’s second in line to the throne, the Prince and Princess of Wales have made some thoughtful parenting choices, especially around how and when to tell him about his future.

According to royal historian Robert Lacey, the couple deliberately waited until George was around seven to tell him he’d one day be king. Why the delay? William wanted his son to enjoy a “normal” childhood for as long as possible.

PrinceGeorgeFuture
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

“He really has had a period of a normal childhood,” Lacey told People. “William deliberately delayed this news until the last possible moment. It shows special care and thoughtfulness—it also tells us something about how William felt about the weight of the crown.”

That approach extends to Charlotte, 10, and Louis, 7, too. William is just as focused on letting all three children grow up as kids first and future royals second.

“William takes his role as father of the future King as seriously as he takes his role as future King. That’s key,” royal biographer Robert Hardman explained. “His overarching priority is making sure they enjoy it rather than fear it.”

If George were to step into the role of heir apparent before finishing school, insiders say the family would still prioritize giving him space. “They would want him to focus on having freedom before giving him any royal titles,” one palace source shared.

All this lines up with how the Wales family seems to approach parenting in general: grounded and hands-on, even when it comes to things like school sports.

According to Real Housewives of London star Panthea Parker, Princess Catherine is a regular at the sidelines of George’s games.

“I see her quite a few times because my son’s school plays against her son’s school,” she told Hello! magazine. “So they play rugby and football against each other. I do see her a lot, but not to talk to, just from afar. So classy, so lovely—and she never misses any of her children’s matches. Really amazing.”

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