Author Reveals Why William Held Off on Telling George About His 'Destiny' as King: ‘He Really Has...’
For most children, turning twelve means little more than school, sports, and birthdays with friends. But for Prince George, life comes with the weight of duty. As second in line to the throne, George’s future has been mapped out since the day he was born, though his parents took great care to delay that realization for as long as possible.
According to royal historian Robert Lacey, who spoke to PEOPLE, George was nearly seven before he learned the full scope of his future role. “He really has had a period of a normal childhood,” Lacey explained. “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 decision was part of a larger effort by the Prince and Princess of Wales to prioritize family life over duty, at least while their children are young. George, now 12, has grown up alongside Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, in what insiders describe as a close and lively household. “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 stressed. “His overarching priority is making sure they enjoy it rather than fear it.”
The question of timing has become even more pressing with King Charles undergoing treatment for an undisclosed cancer. If George were to become heir sooner than expected, decisions such as when to grant him the title of Prince of Wales would fall squarely on Prince William. For now, Palace insiders suggest that the milestone will have to wait. “They would want him to focus on having freedom before giving him any royal titles,” one insider shared.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond also spoke on the Prince's next big milestone, in a conversation with The Mirror. “William and Catherine's baby boy George is rapidly turning into a young man, and this last year at Lambrook School with his siblings will be another milestone in his life,” she said. “I'm sure that he'll feel nervous about the big change ahead, but hopefully some of his school friends will be making the move with him, wherever he is headed.”
That next chapter — most likely at Eton College, where William and Prince Harry both went — will mark a new phase in George’s preparation for kingship. And while both parents are committed to guiding him, their approaches highlight different strengths. William, with first-hand experience of growing up in the royal spotlight, is expected to focus on instilling strength and a sense of purpose. Middleton, meanwhile, plays the equally vital role of ensuring George’s life isn’t reduced to his title.
Royal historian Marlene Koenig explained to Us Weekly that her influence is rooted in family rather than duty. “She will never have a constitutional role, except as regent in a worst-case scenario, if George becomes king before age 18,” Koenig said. “She is there to be the loving, supportive mom in everything George does, because he is her son first and foremost.”