Prince William and Prince George in May 2023.Photo: Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Prince Georgeis coming into his own as he nears his 10th birthday.
Kate MiddletonandPrince William’s eldest child may seem shy compared to confident sisterPrincess Charlotteand carefree brotherPrince Louisat royal events. However, that’s not always the case.
“He’s a cracking lad,” a close family friend tells PEOPLE exclusively of Prince George in this week’s cover story.
Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at Trooping the Colour 2023.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
Prince George has shown glimpses of his spirited side, especially when joining his parents at sporting events. The young royal hasexuberantly rootedfor his father’s favorite soccer team, Aston Villa, at games. He alsomemorably celebrated goalsas England advanced to the finals of the Euro 2020 tournament.
While making sure that Prince George has a conventional childhood, Prince William and Princess Kate are also aware that they are raising a future king.
“It’s a massive balancing act,” one palace insider tells PEOPLE. “William and Kate are doing the right thing, protecting him so he can have as normal a childhood as possible, but he’s also dipping into duties as a future monarch. He’s getting firsthand experience of what it’s like to be a royal and a monarch and firsthand experience of being a normal boy.”
Prince George at the Big Help Out in May 2023.
Prince George’s place as second in the line of succession was made clear atKing Charles' coronation in May when he acted as one of his grandfather’sPages of Honor. While his younger siblings — Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 — joined the congregation at the crowning ceremony, George became the youngest future king to play an official role in a coronation.
“He was terrific,” says a close family friend.
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Prince George at the coronation on May 6.Jacob King/PA Images via Getty Images
Prince William and Princess Kate, both 41, were aware of the pressure their eldest child would feel in the spotlight but felt he was ready for the task.
Adds a guest, “The service was emotional and family-oriented and very inclusive — and George played his part.”
Raising the Future King cover.
source: people.com
