This year, all eyes were on Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Princess Catherine, as he attended the Together at Christmas Carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 6th. Accompanied by his family, including his father Prince William and his siblings, George made a poised and elegant appearance. As the third of the Wales children, George stands out among other 11-year-olds, knowing exactly what role he will take on when he grows up. However, his parents are in no rush to start his training just yet.
As 2025 begins, Prince William and Princess Catherine have made emotional pleas to King Charles regarding their final decision about George’s future role. The second in line to the British throne, after his father, will begin his official duties when he matures, which will better prepare him for ruling when the time comes. In their conversations with the king, the prince and princess have made it clear that they are committed to balancing royal duties with family life, and this year will be no different. Their aim is for George, along with Charlotte and Louis, to grow up into well-adjusted adults ready for their roles when the time comes.
Changes are inevitable. George is said to be very close to his brother Louis and sister Charlotte, but they will likely be forced apart by a strict royal rule. However, William and Catherine might go beyond the traditional decision and make a surprising move. Regardless of what happens, the decision will be made by George’s parents, keeping his best interests in mind.
One major decision facing the family this year is George’s education. Royal expert Charlotte Griffith has speculated that their eldest son may choose a different educational path from his father, Prince William, and not attend Eton College. Princess Catherine believes that sending George to such an exclusive institution goes against their efforts to modernize the monarchy. A palace insider revealed that, despite William’s own education at the prestigious school, Catherine may prefer an alternative, possibly a school closer to their Norfolk home. Marlborough College, where Catherine thrived after a difficult earlier schooling experience, could be a strong contender. It holds personal significance for Catherine, as it was a place where she felt truly supported.
The future king and queen are said to be torn between Eton and Marlborough College. However, they have reportedly reached a compromise and are also considering another option—St. Edward’s School in Oxford, which carries a £47,000 per year price tag. It is believed that the couple sees the school as a good fit for their son, and they reportedly visited the location shortly before Catherine underwent abdominal surgery.
Throughout history, heirs to the British throne have been raised in a rigid, public-facing life, in keeping with the Crown's ancient code of lifetime service. However, the future King George VII is different. His childhood is already less constrained than his father’s was during the 1980s and 1990s. Royal commentators credit the future Queen with driving this new trend, aligning with how modern society functions. Catherine is also said to be a driving force behind secret discussions on how William’s reign will usher in a more modern monarchy.
For those unfamiliar with the Wales’ family life, they are providing their children with traditional yet modern lifestyles. Despite their royal status, a close friend of the couple revealed that they run a normal, busy household, with kids running around and knocking things over. There are no airs or graces. An insider claimed that Princess Catherine practices normal parenting to help her children remain grounded and keep their reality in check—something that truly matters to her.
At the event, Prince George’s demeanor offered a glimpse into his future as monarch. It’s clear that William and Catherine are carefully nurturing their son, preparing him for the significant responsibilities that lie ahead.
