Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘priority’ when it comes to Prince George’s future
Prince George is gradually being eased into royal life by his parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, who are determined to give him as normal an upbringing as possible, despite his future as king.
“There’ll be a time and a place to bring George up and understand how he fits in the world,” William said in a 2016 interview. “But right now it’s just a case of keeping a secure, stable environment around him and showing him as much love as I can as a father.”
Prince George has already made appearances in major state events.
However, his parents are careful to balance these royal responsibilities with everyday life.
Prince William and Kate Middleton preparing Prince George for his future as king
“William and Kate are focused on giving George a happy, down‑to‑earth upbringing,” a palace insider revealed. “While gradually helping him understand the role that awaits him.”
That balance is reflected at home. The family lives in the modest Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate. William and Kate personally handle school runs and bedtime routines. They are supported by longtime nanny Maria Borrallo.
“Because of her upbringing, she really values carving out family time and making sure it stays a priority,” a close confidant of Kate said.
Their choice of homes reflects this commitment.
In 2015, they relocated to Norfolk’s Anmer Hall, and in 2022, moved to Windsor. Both residences were chosen to shield their three children from palace life.
“With George, there’s a sense that the priority is that he and his siblings are not put off this,” royal biographer Robert Hardman noted. “That it’s not scary, that it’s something they understand.”
Grandparents also play a crucial role. Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, are deeply involved in George’s day‑to‑day life.
“George spends a lot of time with his grandparents,” a family friend shared. “Just the kind of normalcy William and Kate wanted for him.”
‘It must be a horrifying reality for a boy of 11 to handle’
George reportedly first learned about his royal destiny in 2020, during a carefully controlled conversation about his place in the monarchy.
A Kensington Palace source confirmed, “There’s no plan for George to take on official duties until he’s well into his twenties.”
However, the source also acknowledged the heavy reality. “It must be a horrifying reality for a boy of 11 to handle.”
Still, George seems to be handling it with grace.
Jennie Bond, former BBC royal correspondent, “He tends to look rather serious when he’s ‘on parade’ these days. And who can blame him? It is an extraordinary prospect to know that one day you will be taking on the huge role that you are now watching your grandfather perform.
“But he’s not, by any means, always a serious little chap. When he’s with his dad at a football match, or fooling around with his siblings and his father, he has a wonderful smile on his face, and seems happy and relaxed.”
Recent public moments highlight this blend of normalcy and royal duty.
In May, George, Charlotte, and Louis joined their parents for VE Day commemorations. They also joined Trooping the Colour alongside King Charles.
Prince George school plans
As George prepares to turn 12 on July 22, speculation is also turning to his secondary school choice.
Jennie advised that William and Kate will seek a school offering both security and a normal childhood experience.
It will likely be a co‑educational setting, with options like Eton or Marlborough on the table.
“For so many youngsters, teenage years can be hard. But for a prince, everything is a whole lot harder,” she said. She also emphasised protecting their privacy.
“William was given a good deal of privacy at Eton. I think he will do everything possible to make sure that George and the others are able to negotiate this important growing‑up stage without worrying that cameras are around every corner.”
At the end of the day, it’s clear that William and Kate’s first and foremost priority is George’s happiness and well-being, not his future title.
As Jennie also concluded, “I think George is pretty lucky to have these two as his parents.”
