Diana Was ‘Troubled’ With William’s Destiny as King ― but George May Not Face the Same Fate
George's public visibility grew significantly in the last year. While these ‘kinship’ lessons are important, they can be quite challenging at such a young age.
Prince George's public visibility grew significantly in the last year. While these ‘kinship’ lessons are considered important for someone destined to be King, they can be quite challenging at such a young age. Though Prince William and Princess Kate are keeping a close watch to ensure these responsibilities do not take a toll on his childhood, they are also well aware of what lies ahead, given the Prince of Wales’s own experience as the heir apparent. Now, one royal expert is drawing parallels between the father-son duo, reflecting on the late Princess Diana’s thoughts on her son’s future role; concerns that apparently left her ‘troubled.’
Speaking to The Mirror, royal expert Jennie Bond explained how challenging parenting can be, let alone within the Firm. “It's hard enough bringing up kids to be happy, safe, and confident even in normal life. We can only imagine what it must be like to bring up a child who is going to hold such a unique and massively public role in life.” Bond recalled conversations with Diana, who allegedly told her that she was “troubled by the weight of responsibility, both on her and her eldest son.” She shared that the late Princess of Wales very well knew that being King one day weighed “heavily on young William’s shoulders.” But just like any mother, Diana was extremely proud of her son. Bond noted, “She was immensely proud of him and told me she thought the country was lucky to have William.”
While discussing William’s alleged struggle with having his life already mapped out, Bond suggested that George would be better prepared for the role. “It's probably slightly easier for [Kate and William], in the secure and happy marriage they have, to prepare George for what lies ahead," Bond noted, adding, “And William must know exactly how he might be feeling.” Despite his ‘limited options’ and a path already set in ‘concrete,’ Bond believes the 12-year-old Prince is lucky to have supportive parents, who have always placed the well-being of their family above everything else.
Other experts have also chimed in, suggesting that the Prince and Princess of Wales are playing a ‘slow game’ in preparing George for his future. Writing for PEOPLE, royal expert Simon Perry noted that 2025 could be considered one of the most significant years for George. “Prince William and Kate Middleton have very gradually immersed him further in the duties that will inevitably come his way in the decades to come,” he highlighted. For instance, in a ‘landmark’ move, the young Prince accompanied his parents to a Buckingham Palace tea party in honor of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which “presented a perfect opportunity... to experience some of that legacy firsthand.”
George also filled in for his father by attending the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in November 2025. The year 2026 is set to be even more important for the Prince, who will be turning 13 in July. He is also expected to begin secondary school, marking a start to a more independent chapter.
