There will be no easy ride for Prince George, who is second in line to the throne. At just 11 years old, the young royal has a lot of development ahead of him, and there remains some tension within the family about how his future will shape up. As the family gradually introduces him to the public and prepares him for his unique destiny, Prince George, who turned 11 in July, is starting to grasp the weight of his royal role.
Meanwhile, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte are set to live their lives as “spares” to their brother, the future king. However, thanks to the modern parenting approach of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the influence of some unlikely royal role models, Louis and Charlotte don’t need to live in George’s shadow. While Prince William places some blame on Meghan and Harry for past family struggles, he also acknowledges that the royal system—where one child is deemed less important due to an accident of birth—has played a significant role in the issues that arose.
William, determined not to repeat history, is focused on avoiding what he calls the "human mincer" that has caused misery for generations of spares. Both he and Catherine adore their children, and their lives revolve around them. They are reportedly seeking a practical solution to the age-old "spare" problem that has long troubled the royal family.
However, one major question remains: What does the future hold for George? Could the public provide similar support for him in the coming months, and who else will step up to help Prince William during critical times? The Wales family maintains a close bond with King Charles, and their rare public appearances together offer glimpses of this special relationship. However, earlier this year, tensions reportedly flared within the royal family as concerns grew about George's role in formal events.
It was claimed that Prince William and Princess Catherine were increasingly worried about their eldest son’s involvement in royal duties. There was a debate about whether George should play a more formal role in upcoming historic events, sparking a fierce family discussion. The concern echoes back to William and Harry’s childhood, when they were sometimes required to attend formal occasions before they were ready. The debate remains unresolved, but decisions will soon need to be made about George's growing royal responsibilities.
One significant rule that looms over George’s future is the royal protocol regarding travel. According to the rule, two heirs to the throne cannot travel together. This protocol will likely take effect when George turns 12 next year, just as it did for his father, William, in 1994. As these rules approach, Catherine’s emotions are understandably stirred. The upcoming changes are a stark reminder of the unique and challenging path the royal family must navigate, balancing personal sacrifices with their duty to the crown.
Despite these challenges, Prince George has become a beloved figure among royal fans, alongside his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. His cheeky and rebellious side has been noticed at several royal events, including Princess Eugenie’s wedding in 2018 and Trooping the Colour in 2024. During the latter event, senior royals like Princess Catherine and Queen Camilla were seen giggling in the direction of the children. According to a lip reader, George humorously remarked, “Bet they’re kind of proud of me,” as he turned back to the crowd of cheering fans.
George’s role as a kind older brother was also on display during the Buckingham Palace balcony appearance at the Trooping the Colour celebration. He was seen guiding Louis amid the grandeur of the occasion, further solidifying their close bond. Social media buzzed with footage of George instructing his younger brother to face the public and, at one point, telling Louis to address their father. Princess Charlotte also took part in keeping her younger brother in check, reminding Louis to put his arm down during the national anthem.
As George continues to mature and step into his future role, the public will no doubt keep a close eye on how he, Charlotte, and Louis navigate their unique royal lives under the watchful guidance of William and Catherine.
