It’s a question that has intrigued royal watchers for years: at what point do young members of the Royal Family fully grasp the magnitude of their destiny? A recent discussion on the Palace Confidential podcast has shed new light on the moment Prince George first began to comprehend his future role as King of England.
The Questions That Sparked Curiosity
According to Rebecca English, Royal Editor at the Daily Mail, Prince George—now ten years old—began asking some rather unusual questions at the tender age of five or six. These queries reportedly emerged after school hours, prompting speculation that conversations among his classmates may have played a role. Remarks such as “My mum says…” or “My dad told me…” could have made George question what it really meant to be a prince—an heir to the British throne.
A Carefully Crafted Approach by William and Kate
The Prince and Princess of Wales have always been mindful of how they introduce their children to royal responsibilities, striking a balance between normality and preparation for the future. English explained that William and Kate have chosen to take a slow, deliberate approach in guiding George’s understanding of his place in history.
“They are handling it in a very age-appropriate way, ensuring that he doesn’t feel overwhelmed,” English noted. “Rather than bombarding him with the weight of his destiny, they are gradually introducing him to the lineage of British monarchs, allowing him to learn at his own pace.”
A Familiar Royal Dilemma
George’s journey of self-discovery mirrors that of his great-uncle, Prince Harry. Royal expert Richard Eden recalled an anecdote from Harry’s memoir, Spare, which highlighted the Duke of Sussex’s own struggles with understanding royal history during his school years.
According to Eden, a history teacher once confronted Harry about his limited knowledge of Britain’s past monarchs. Embarrassed, Harry admitted that he barely knew anything about the kings and queens who came before him. The teacher then handed him a ruler marked with the names of past sovereigns, instructing him to memorise them.
While George’s education is undoubtedly more structured than his uncle’s, the story serves as a reminder that even those born into royalty don’t automatically inherit a vast knowledge of their ancestors.
A Future King in the Making
As Prince George grows older, he will continue to learn about the monarchs who came before him, the traditions he will uphold, and the expectations that come with his birthright. But for now, his parents remain committed to letting him enjoy a childhood as normal as possible—at least, as normal as life can be for a future king.
