BY GEORGE
Six key ways Kate Middleton & William are ‘gradually’ preparing George for his ‘destiny’ as king, claims Jennie Bond
Royal expert Jennie Bond revealed details about Prince George's upbringing in the video above
HE may only be 11 but Prince George is already being prepared for life as the future King of England, claims expert Jennie Bond.
The young royal - who recently celebrated his birthday - is being “gradually introduced to the public and his destiny”.
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However, the Prince and Princess of Wales are keen for Prince George to enjoy his childhood for “as long as possible”, claimed the former BBC royal correspondent.
Jennie told Fabulous: “I think it's one heck of a job, isn't it, to prepare your child for this role, unlike any other role in the country, unlike anything that any of his contemporaries, his friends at school or out of school, are going to have to face.
“I also think that they are keen to delay that moment, really, that he has the full realisation of his destiny.
“They really are trying very hard to let George just have the childhood he needs and deserves.”
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However, the expert pointed out there are subtle ways George is being prepared for his future ahead.
INTRODUCED TO THE PUBLIC
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While Princess Kate and Prince William are keen for George to have privacy when he is at school and on his holidays, we have seen him in increasing amounts this year.
One of the recent times was at the Euros 2024 final with William, where England narrowly lost out on the trophy.
Jennie added: “I think they are gradually introducing him to the public.
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“We see him quite often on the public stage now, be it extremely formal, like those state occasions, or relatively informal, like at the football or even at the Taylor Swift concert.
“He's getting used to the fact that he is going to be in the papers and on camera for most of his life.
Life and Rules of a Future King
“But at the same time, I think for as long as possible, they're keeping George and the other children wrapped up, just enjoying life, playing outside, running free, and that, I think, augurs well for a balanced and healthy future for George.”
LIMITING EXPOSURE
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Jennie claimed that Prince William “was introduced rather more quickly into royal life” than Prince George is, and there are ways the royal couple are achieving it.
One way is with official photos of George, Charlotte and Louis, which are often snapped behind closed doors by mum Kate.
She added: “I think that Catherine has done really well to limit the exposure that George has had by providing the press with photographs that she's taken.
Kate Middleton's 'golden rule' with George, Charlotte and Louis
KATE'S key rule for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis is about kindness.
According to Royal Correspondent: "Based on observations of photographs of Princess Diana at the time, and the current Princess of Wales, they are both very affectionate with their children.
"Kate is often seen holding her children's hands or picking them up for cuddles when they were smaller.
"There are often lots of comforting gestures, such as a pat on the back or stroking their hair. When interacting with other children on her public engagements, Kate often crouches down to their level to engage with them – something that Diana would often do."
When she's at the family's home of Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, despite her royal status, insiders say Kate is just like any other "normal mum".
A friend explained that behind closed doors, the 42-year-old is "very chilled at home" but definitely not a pushover and will tell the kids off when needed.
They : "It's a normal, busy family home with kids running around and knocking things over. There's no airs and graces.
"She is doing that to help her children be more grounded and keep their reality in check. That's what really matters to her."
“Having your mum take a pic of you isn't too frightening at all.
“So I think she's found a better way, perhaps, than Diana was able to.”
SPENDING TIME WITH KING CHARLES
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When William was at Eton School in Windsor, he would often be “invited alone for Sunday lunch with the Queen” at Windsor Castle.
“Walking across the Thames from Eton, the schoolboy was introduced by his grandmother to the secrets and magic of the world’s most enduring monarchy”, claimed royal expert Tom Bower.
While Prince George is still at Lambrook School with his siblings, there may be a few years before solo lunches with King Charles.
However, he is said to spend a lot of quality time with his grandad.
Jennie added: “We're told certainly that the King loves spending time with his grandchildren, and now that he is at Windsor a fair bit more, and the kids are just down the road really, I think they have been getting together more.
They really are trying very hard to let George just have the childhood he needs and deserves
Jennie Bond
“On the other hand, there have been a lot of health problems, obviously, on both sides of the family, and the King has been spending time at either Highgrove or Balmoral.
“But, as we understand, William and Catherine are going to Balmoral, and the kids are going to be there.
“There'll be time to knock around, and I think it is important, yes, for George to see what being King looks like.”
However, the royal expert claimed their relationship is currently mainly focused on being grandfather and grandson as they “want to protect George from worrying and getting anxious about the future.”
GIVING FREEDOM FOR FUTURE
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While being king is a full-time role, Kate and William are said to be keen to encourage George to pursue interests before he takes the role.
Jennie said: “There aren't enough royals to go around, and so the pressure may mount in the next, let's say, 10 to 15 years for him to become a full-time royal.
“But I'm sure that Catherine, particularly, wants her little boy—who's now getting quite a big boy, I suppose—to have the opportunity to do other stuff.
He's getting used to the fact that he is going to be in the papers and on camera for most of his life
Jennie Bond
“I know all his mates will be saying, even in the next few years, ‘What would you fancy doing in life? What do you want to do?’
“Well, nearly all those options are closed to George because he knows what he's going to have to do sooner or later.
“But I guess he might go into the military.
“I'd like to think he might maybe not do that, and maybe do voluntary work, or maybe do both.”
TAKING HIM TO CHARITY EVENTS
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In December, George, Charlotte and Louis helped mum Kate at a Baby Bank sorting Christmas gifts for children in need.
And last May, the youngsters joined volunteers revamping the Scout hut for Big Help Out.
Jennie claimed these charity events are all part of the Prince and Princess of Wales preparing George for his future.
There aren't enough royals to go around, and so the pressure may mount in the next, let's say, 10 to 15 years for him to become a full-time royal
Jennie Bond
She continued: “Catherine is so keen and has been keen on showing George and the other children that what you put in, you get out.
“I mean, she took him to that baby bank, and we saw on camera her saying, ‘you see, George, if you do things for others, you feel rewards yourself.’
“Hopefully, by the time he becomes a full-time royal, he will have learned and been taught by his parents that using the platform that you've been given in life, using it for good, is really worthwhile, which is why, you know, William has said that when they drive to school, sometimes they see people sleeping rough, and he's told George and the others.
“They're certainly not shielding him from the fact that there are a lot of very disadvantaged and needy people out there, and that he will be in a position to do something to help.”
CLOSE TO COUSINS
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Having royal friends can be “difficult” if “you're unwise and befriend someone who isn't kind of sworn to secrecy”, claims Jennie.
However, while George does have school pals at Lambrook, he has a tight-knit support circle of his cousins.
Jennie shared: “He has cousins, and I think it's great that the younger generation of royals, there's quite a few of the same age, you know, the Tindalls and everything, and they knock around together.
“ And then there's the slightly older ones of Beatrice and Eugenie.
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“They're an interesting clan, and I think they will all help George to choose his friends wisely. “But mum [Kate] is the one who will guide him best, and I think she's showing us that she's a brilliant mother, a very caring mother.
“She's got a difficult job, a difficult job guiding him through this life. But I think if anyone can do it, Catherine can.”
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