There's a New ‘Royal in Training’ to Fill Andrew and Prince Harry’s Void, Claims Expert
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's loss of titles, coupled with Prince Harry's move to the U.S., has reportedly left King Charles understaffed when it comes to senior working royals. As the monarchy continues to grapple with the loss of its once iron-clad members, royal expert Richard Eden believes the Firm has already begun preparing a young 'royal in training.' According to the expert, Prince George's recent appearance at the Festival of Remembrance signaled his growing role in the monarchy as he proudly stood in place of Prince William.
In an interview with the Daily Express, Eden asserted that the Festival of Remembrance was the perfect event to introduce George to his future roles. He said, "At the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, we saw his mother, Catherine, gently leading the way and really showing how Prince George could handle public engagements in the future." He continued, "It's an event of remembrance, and it's one which is very close to the hearts of the Royal Family, also one which Prince George is very interested in. It's not the first type of event that he's been to," referring to George's high-profile appearance at VE Day this year.
Eden suggested that after Mountbatten-Windsor's shamed exit and Harry and Meghan Markle's move to the U.S., George was being trained to take on some of their responsibilities in the future. Discussing the young royal's appearance at VE Day, the expert added, "Even though he [George] is very young, he managed to have conversations with these veterans and you could see he was taking a real interest." He pointed out how William and Kate Middleton were 'carefully introducing' their eldest, who will one day become King, into royal life. Giving a positive take on the young Prince's future, Eden opined that royal watchers would continue to see George "at a lot more of these types of events."
Indeed, Middleton was a proud mom when she spoke proudly of her son to the veterans after his debut appearance at the Festival of Remembrance. On November 8, the 12-year-old joined his mother at the Royal British Legion's annual festival at the Royal Albert Hall. For his appearance, George stood in place of William beside King Charles, and other senior members of the family, looking matured and every bit a future King. William was notably absent from the event, as he was traveling home from Brazil. He returned in time for the Cenotaph service the following morning.
George's Remembrance Day outing echoed the same composure and maturity he showed on VE Day, where he mingled with World War II veterans. Weighing in on the same, royal expert Russel Myers gushed about the young royal's kingship at public events. He told PEOPLE at the time, "Even though he [George] is so young, he seems to have grown in confidence over the last couple of years." The Prince and Princess of Wales have reportedly taken the 'slow and steady' approach, ensuring their eldest is introduced to responsibility carefully.