King Charles’ Sentimental Gift to Prince George Hints at His Destiny

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He may be the King of England, but when it comes to his grandchildren, King Charles III is just one big softy. We aren’t privy to the details of their bond; but it’s clear that he loves the kids. He recently gave his grandson Prince George a sentimental gift that will come in handy when the pre-teen becomes the monarch one day, according to a royal insider.

The gift in question? Being able to use his own name for his royal title one day!

When it was time for Charles to ascend the throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, he had an important decision to make. What would his regal name be? In case you didn’t know, royals don’t have to use their birth name when they become the reigning monarch. Instead, they can choose a different name befitting the title. Since Charles was born Charles Philip Arthur George, many assumed he would take the moniker George VII.

Grant Harrold, author and former royal butler of King Charles, said at a launch event for his book, The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service, that he was shocked the King went with King Charles III. “I had a conversation [with Charles] and he explained to be about [the] titles,” Harrold said, per Express. “He explained to me about why you bow and curtsy, and he explained to me about the different titles he could use. And we, myself and other colleagues, discussed it and we were all convinced he would [become] George VII.”

One reason Harrold thought he wouldn’t go with Charles III? Because the previous two Charles do not have a stellar reputation. “Charles II had a reputation as [being] a womanizer, and Charles I lost his head [after he was tried and convicted of treason],” Harrold said, adding, “So when he picked Charles, I was quite surprised because that was not the impression I got.”

Maybe he wanted to reclaim Charles for something better? Or, maybe he was just thinking of his 12-year-old grandson, who his son Prince William shares with wife Kate Middleton. “With his grandson George, maybe he felt he should be the next George VII. Maybe he feels that it would be a nice thing to let him have that — be the next George — because it makes sense for Charles to go with Charles, it does make sense, but to go with George, it would make more sense for his grandson to have that name.”

George is second in line to the throne after his father, whose birth name is William Arthur Philip Louis. George’s birth name is George Alexander Louis, while his siblings birth names are Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, 10, and Louis Arthur Charles, 7. It’ll be interesting to see what names they go with if and when they ascend the throne!

When it comes to training for his destiny, Prince William is doing his best to make it not scary for George. Royal biographer Robert Hardman told PEOPLE last month, “William takes his role as father of the future King as seriously as he takes his role as future King. That’s key. “His overarching priority is making sure they enjoy it rather than fear it.”

“I imagine that when William talks to George about things like this, he uses words like ‘destiny’ rather than ‘duty,’” royal author Robert Lacey told the outlet. “‘Duty’ has a sense of being trapped; ‘destiny’ has a sense of choice.”

King Charles may have given George the gift of being the next “King George,” but it’s still up to him what royal name he picks!

Before you go, check out all the times Prince George showed he’ll be a great king one day.