As Prince George of Cambridge marks his 12th birthday on July 22, his journey toward preparing for his future role as King of the United Kingdom takes on a new phase. However, his mother, Kate Middleton, will play a different role in his life than his father, Prince William.
Royal historian Marlene Koenig recently discussed Kate’s involvement with George, explaining to US Weekly, “She will never have a constitutional role, except as regent in a worst-case scenario, if George becomes king before age 18.” Koenig emphasized that Kate’s primary responsibility will always be to be a loving, supportive mother.
“She is there to be the loving, supportive mom in everything George does, because he is her son first and foremost.” While Kate has certainly adapted to royal life, it will be her husband, Prince William, who takes the lead in preparing George for his future as king.
“She and William dated for nearly 10 years before their engagement was announced, which allowed her the time and space to learn about her future life as a member of the royal family,” Koenig noted. “In time, as wife of the heir to the throne and eventually as Queen consort.
She is also the mother of a future king.” Koenig further pointed out that Prince William, as the heir apparent, will take charge of George’s royal education, ensuring he gains the “knowledge and practice of their roles” in the monarchy.
This shift in George’s preparation was reflected in a recent change in royal protocol. Following his 12th birthday, George will no longer travel on the same aircraft as his father, a safety measure that was also implemented when William reached the same age. Graham Laurie, King Charles’ former pilot, confirmed this development during an appearance on A Right Royal Podcast.
As the young prince continues his training, Koenig also highlighted George’s prominent role in King Charles’s coronation. George served as one of the train bearers for his grandfather, a historic first for the royal family. “If the young prince was nervous, he didn’t show it,” Koenig added.
With his 12th birthday marking a pivotal moment in his royal education, the future King George is stepping into a new phase of his preparation for the throne, under the guidance of both his parents.