Royal Expert Explains Kate's 'Different Role’ in George’s Preparation for King: 'She'll Never...'
Prince George, second in line to the throne, is growing up with the weight of the Crown on his shoulders. As the eldest son of Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton, he is expected one day to take on one of the most important roles, that too, in a world that would surely question the relevance of a monarchy. Both William and Middleton are determined to leave no stone unturned in grooming him, but their approaches couldn’t be more different. While William will focus on instilling the skills and knowledge needed for kingship, Middleton is guiding her son in a way only a mother can.
Royal historian Marlene Koenig explained to Us Weekly that Middleton’s role will remain supportive rather than constitutional. “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.”
Middleton is well aware of the responsibilities her son will inherit. Having dated William for nearly a decade before their engagement, she had time to learn the demands of royal life. While she focuses on emotional support and guidance, King Charles and William will take the lead in giving George the "knowledge and practice of their role." That process recently entered a new stage after George turned 12. A long-standing royal travel rule now means he can no longer fly on the same plane as his father without special permission from the King, a protocol designed to protect the line of succession. Charles’ former pilot, Graham Laurie, recalled on the Right Royal podcast that the same rule applied to William at the same age. “When William became 12, he would fly normally in a 125 from Northolt and we would fly the 146 out with the other three on,” he explained, as reported by HELLO!.
George’s public involvement in royal duties has also been growing. Koenig pointed out that his role as one of Charles’ train bearers during the 2023 coronation was a major milestone. “George is the first member of the royal family to have such a role in the service,” she said. “If the young Prince was nervous, he didn’t show it.” According to Koenig, George is “undoubtedly aware of his future role” and likely gained a deeper understanding of the responsibility after the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022.
"Most of the time, he is enjoying the life of someone from the upper middle classes and spends a lot of time with the Middletons," royal expert Phil Dampier had earlier shared. "However, he is growing up fast, and William and Middleton are slowly preparing him for his role." This was evident when the couple had George tag along to interact with WWII veterans on VE Day, earlier this year.