Prince William, Princess Catherine, Prince Louis, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte | Source: Getty Images
Why Prince William and Kate Middleton ‘Delayed’ Telling Their Son About His Future as Heir to the Throne
The young royal's parents were careful not to reveal his destiny to him too early, as they prioritized giving him as normal a childhood as possible. That priority remains in place today.
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Prince George is destined to become King of England one day. The 12-year-old royal is already aware of his impending future, and according to royal author Robert Lacey, his parents, Prince William and Princess Catherine, shared that knowledge with him around the age of seven.
(L-R) Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Catherine, and Princess Charlotte are seen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as they watch a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
"He really has had a period of a normal childhood," Lacey told PEOPLE. "William deliberately delayed this news until the last possible moment. It shows special care and thoughtfulness — it also tells us something about how William felt about the weight of the crown."
The Prince of Wales, along with his wife, has worked to shield George and his siblings — Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — from the spotlight in an effort to give them as normal a childhood as he can.
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Page of Honour Prince George of Wales and Britain's King Charles III wearing the Imperial state Crown leave Westminster Abbey after the Coronation Ceremonies in central London on May 6, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
"William takes his role as father of the future King as seriously as he takes his role as future King. That's key," royal biographer Robert Hardman added. "His overarching priority is making sure they enjoy it rather than fear it."
It is also worth noting that with King Charles III currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, the future of the monarchy inevitably comes into question.
Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Prince George join Second World War veterans at a tea party in Buckingham Palace following the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
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If George were to become heir to the throne before finishing school, William might delay bestowing the Prince of Wales title. "They would want him to focus on having freedom before giving him any royal titles," a palace insider noted of William and Catherine.
Lacey also added: "I imagine that when William talks to George about things like this, he uses words like 'destiny' rather than 'duty.' 'Duty' has a sense of being trapped; 'destiny' has a sense of choice."
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