6 ways Kate Middleton is preparing Prince George to be King: From wearing suits to attending big events

At just 11 years old, Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, is already being subtly prepared for the role he will one day assume as King of England. While many see a boy enjoying the privileges of royalty, behind the scenes, his parents are laying the groundwork for a future on the throne. Royal expert Phil Dampier recently revealed to The Sun that George is receiving gradual exposure to royal duties, even as he enjoys a relatively normal upbringing. Let’s delve into six ways George is being readied for his future role as king.

1. Attending high-profile events

A key component of Prince George’s preparation for kingship is his exposure to major royal events. Throughout 2023, the young prince has been seen attending numerous high-profile occasions, such as Trooping the Colour and King Charles III’s Coronation. According to Dampier, these appearances are intentional, slowly familiarizing George with royal protocols and his future duties. Dampier explains, "He is attending royal events such as Trooping the Colour, the Coronation, and big set events, and he is slowly being introduced to those." These appearances also play a significant role in developing George’s public confidence. Body language expert Judi James highlighted the transformation in George’s demeanor, crediting his father, William, for the young royal’s growing self-assurance. "Thanks to William’s careful, hands-on induction of his eldest son, George has slowly evolved from a rather shy-looking small boy into a more confident, responsible, and happily still joyful-looking eleven-year-old," she observed.

2. A wardrobe fit for a king

Another subtle way Prince George is being prepared for his future role is through his wardrobe. At several public events, George has been seen donning formal attire, including suits, which may seem like an unusual choice for a child his age. However, this sartorial decision is deliberate, as it signifies George’s maturing role within the royal family. Dampier pointed out that while George may have appeared a bit "stiff and formal" in earlier appearances, the young prince is gradually becoming more comfortable in these outfits. Dampier reflected, "I thought in the recent photo to mark his 11th birthday, he looked a lot more relaxed, a lot more comfortable, and he’s clearly maturing rapidly." Interestingly, there appears to be a slight difference in opinion between his parents regarding George’s attire. Tennis champion Marion Bartoli, who met Kate at the 2021 Wimbledon, shared insight into a lighthearted family debate over whether George should be allowed to wear a football jersey at the 2020 Euros Final. "William was for it, Kate not so keen, so we’ll see," Bartoli revealed during a discussion on BBC Radio 5 Live. Prince George wore a navy blue suit as he joined his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to cheer on England in the Euro 2020 final.

3. A gradual introduction to royal duties

In addition to attending royal events and adopting a more formal appearance, Prince George is slowly being introduced to the responsibilities that come with his future title. Dampier emphasized that while George is not yet fully immersed in royal duties, his parents, William and Kate, are gradually increasing their son’s involvement in royal life. "William and Kate will now be slowly upping the ante. William is of course the Prince of Wales, responsible for running the Duchy of Cornwall, and he will be showing George the ropes in terms of how that is run," Dampier said. Moreover, George will be taught about the history of the royal family, its role in society, and important state institutions. This preparation will include visits to Parliament, courts, and other significant venues. However, unlike his father, George will likely miss out on the one-on-one mentorship Prince William received from the late Queen Elizabeth II. "George will probably follow in his father’s footsteps and go to Eton, and of course he will receive a first-class education there. But he won’t benefit from the same frequent sessions William had with the Queen," Dampier explained.

4. Meeting people from all backgrounds

Despite his royal status, Prince George is being encouraged to engage with people from diverse walks of life. William and Kate are keen to ensure that their son grows up with exposure to individuals from different backgrounds, rather than solely mixing with fellow aristocrats. When not attending his prestigious £7,000-a-term Lambrook School, George has been spotted with his aristocratic friend Ralph Tollemache. However, his parents make an effort to bring him to public events like football matches and Wimbledon to widen his social experiences. Dampier emphasized how beneficial these experiences are for George: "As well as enjoying the sport, it’s good for him to meet people from all walks of life and gain confidence."

5. A balanced approach to royal responsibilities

Prince George’s upbringing starkly contrasts the childhood experienced by his grandfather, King Charles III. According to Dampier, Charles often reflected on the shock he felt as a child upon realizing his future was mapped out for him, with no freedom to choose his path. In an effort to shield George from such a revelation, William and Kate have taken a more relaxed approach to preparing their son for his future role. Dampier notes that one of the key ways the royal couple is readying George for kingship is by not overwhelming him with the full weight of his destiny. "They were adamant that they wanted him and Charlotte and Louis to have as normal an upbringing as possible and not to be burdened by his future destiny," Dampier explained.

6. Encouraging independence

A significant aspect of George’s preparation is the freedom he is being given to make decisions about his future. While it is likely that George will follow in his father’s footsteps in many respects, including his education at Eton, William and Kate are intent on allowing their son to forge his own path. Dampier predicts that William and Kate will not pressure George into joining the armed forces or any other specific career path. Instead, they will encourage him to make his own choices. "They will give him the tools to decide his own direction, not force him into things he doesn’t want to do. They will need to strike a balance between him not being overwhelmed but also accepting his fate," Dampier said.