4 Things That Will Change for Prince George When He Turns 18

As the eldest child of Prince William and Princess Kate, Prince George has grown up knowing that he has a very different future from his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. He is currently second in line to the throne and is being given the chance to enjoy as normal a childhood as possible at Eton. The young Prince still has a few years before he reaches adulthood, but his 18th birthday will mark a major turning point in his life. Turning 18 will bring George into legal adulthood and could open the door to new constitutional responsibilities, military training, and a much more public role.

While there will be a lot of changes in George's life when he turns 18, the biggest will be a constitutional one. Under the Regency Act 1937, a person must be at least 18 to exercise the functions of the monarch as Sovereign. This means George reaching adulthood would remove the specific age barrier that could otherwise require a regent if he were to become King while still a minor. As per the law, it doesn't necessarily mean that George will get to be the King on turning 18, but if he ought to be, he would be old enough to exercise the royal functions himself.

Royal men across generations, including George's father and uncle, have served in the military, and turning 18 will open the same door for the young Prince. William attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and went on to serve in the British Armed Forces. Prince Harry also served in the Army and completed two tours of Afghanistan. At 18, George would be old enough to make decisions about whether he wants to follow a similar route. However, joining military service is not compulsory for George or his siblings. The important change is therefore not that George will automatically join the military at 18, but that he will be old enough to make decisions about the role it could play in his future.

Turning 18 also becomes important when it comes to George's potential constitutional responsibilities. As per the changed rules of the Counsellors of State Act 2022, the first four people in the line of succession are to be called upon to carry out certain official duties on behalf of the monarch. George's 18th birthday would therefore be significant because adulthood is one of the requirements for serving as a Counsellor of State.

Perhaps the most noticeable change for George will not come from a rule book at all, but will be an evolving effect. With George turning 18, he will have to face the media. While his parents ensured that he and his siblings were protected from intrusive press coverage, things will eventually change as George takes on public roles. More official appearances, greater media interest, and questions about his education, career, and future duties are all likely to follow. That gradual approach is likely to continue, but adulthood will naturally bring a new level of expectation.