HE may just be 11 years old, but Prince George is already being prepared in subtle ways for being king, according to a royal expert.
Like thousands of British children, the young royal is heading into Year 7 this week, but unlike his classmates he has a unique destiny lying around for him later in life.
Royal author Phil Dampier told Fabulous: “Most of the time he is enjoying the life of someone from the upper middle classes, and spends a lot of time with Kate’s family, the Middletons.
“However he is growing up fast and William and Kate are slowly preparing him for his role.”
Here are six ways George’s future is being carefully crafted…
Prince George has been seen at a number of high-profile events this year, and this is likely part of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ plan, according to Phil.
The royal expert shared: “He is attending royal events such as Trooping the Colour, the Coronation and big set events and he is slowly being introduced to those.”
Body language expert Judi James shared how the experiences are helping to boost Prince George’s confidence.
She claimed: “Thanks to William’s careful, hands-on induction of his eldest son, George has slowly evolved from a rather shy-looking small boy into a more confident, responsible and happily still joyful-looking eleven-year-old.”
Prince George has also been seen at a number of sporting events this year – including the Euros Final – and instead of wearing a football shirt, he has been seen in a suit.
Phil added: “He has sometimes looked a bit stiff and formal in a suit and tie.
“But I thought in the recent photo to mark his 11th birthday he looked a lot more relaxed, a lot more comfortable and he’s clearly maturing rapidly.”
The decision to wear suits could have come from Princess Kate, according to tennis champion Marion Bartoli who met the royal at Wimbledon.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, she said: “Yesterday I had an afternoon tea with the duchess and it was very much a discussion whether George will be allowed to wear the jersey tonight at Wembley or not.
“William was for it, Kate not so keen, so we’ll see.”
When he was at Eton, William was able to spend valuable time having tea with the late Queen at Windsor Castle and learn so much from her.
They met frequently and just the two of them would be in the room, with William gaining from her vast experience.
Phil shared: “George will probably follow in his father’s footsteps and go to Eton, and of course he will receive a first class education there.
“George will be able to see King Charles, but I doubt he will have similar sessions, so George won’t benefit like that.
“It’s very much going to be up to his parents and William and Kate will now be slowly upping the ante.
“William is of course the Prince of Wales, responsible for running the Duchy of Cornwall, and he will be showing George the ropes in terms of how that is run.
“He will also privately be taught about the history of the royal family and its role in society.
“He will also slowly be introduced to the workings of state, visiting courts, Parliament and other important institutions.”
When Prince George is not attending the £7,000-a-term swanky Lambrook School, he has been seen with aristocratic pal Ralph Tollemache, whose lavish family home Helmingham Hall even rivals his own.
However, Prince William and Princess Kate are keen for their eldest child to meet people from all backgrounds.
Phil added: “William has taken George to social events like football and mum Kate has taken him to Wimbledon, and as well as enjoying the sport it’s good for him to meet people from all walks of life and gain confidence.”
Prince George is being given greater freedom as a future heir, in contrast to what faced Charles as he was growing up.
Phil claimed: “King Charles has spoken in the past of the dreadful moment when as a child it finally dawned on him that he was going to be King and that his whole future was mapped out for him, and it came as a great shock.
“One of the ways in which William and Kate have prepared George for being King is NOT to prepare him.
“They were adamant that they wanted him and Charlotte and Louis to have as normal an upbringing as possible and not to be burdened by his future destiny.
“A committee of politicians, courtiers and advisers decided what schools Charles should go to, what service he should do in the armed forces and where he should visit in the Commonwealth, including time at a college in Australia.
“None of that will happen for George.”
Phil predicts that William and Kate won’t force George into the armed forces when he is older, and claims they “hope he goes to University.”
He added: “But by the time he is that age George will be making his own decisions and I’m sure they will encourage him to do so.
“Their attitude is very much give him the tools to decide his own direction, not force him into things he doesn’t want to do so that he’s weighed down with responsibility.
“They will need to strike a balance between him not being overwhelmed but also accepting his fate.
“The next few years will be important ones but George looks like he’s got firm foundations to build on.”
KATE'S key rule for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis is about kindness.
According to HELLO! Online’s Royal Correspondent: “Based on observations of photographs of Princess Diana at the time, and the current Princess of Wales, they are both very affectionate with their children.
“Kate is often seen holding her children’s hands or picking them up for cuddles when they were smaller.
“There are often lots of comforting gestures, such as a pat on the back or stroking their hair. When interacting with other children on her public engagements, Kate often crouches down to their level to engage with them – something that Diana would often do.”
When she’s at the family’s home of Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, despite her royal status, insiders say Kate is just like any other “normal mum”.
A friend explained that behind closed doors, the 42-year-old is “very chilled at home” but definitely not a pushover and will tell the kids off when needed.
They told PEOPLE: “It’s a normal, busy family home with kids running around and knocking things over. There’s no airs and graces.
“She is doing that to help her children be more grounded and keep their reality in check. That’s what really matters to her.”
