Prince George Is Taught To ‘Enjoy’ Royal Life as His ‘Destiny’: Report

Despite having tons of privileges as a future heir to the British throne, Prince George doesn’t flaunt his wealth or act like a spoiled prince. That’s because his parents Prince William and Kate Middleton are doing their best to raise him and their kids Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, in the most normal, grounded way possible. In light of this, it’s a little surprising to hear from royal insiders that Prince George is reportedly being taught to “enjoy” royal life as his “destiny” — surely that goes against raising him like any other kid? To hear it explained, though, it all makes perfect sense.

Royal biographer Robert Hardman recently told PEOPLE that Prince William wants his eldest son to look to his future responsibilities without fear. “William takes his role as father of the future King as seriously as he takes his role as future King. That’s key.” Hardman continued, “His overarching priority is making sure they enjoy it rather than fear it.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 5: Prince George of Wales with Prince William, Prince of Wales watch a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025 in London, England. The King and Queen, joined by Members of the Royal Family, will take part in events from May 5th to May 8th to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which signalled the end of the Second World War in Europe. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)
UK Press via Getty Images

Another author believes that William utilizes a subtle word shift when talking about inheriting the throne. “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.”

When you think about it that way, it makes sense! Raising kids is hard enough without worrying about setting the weight of the world on their shoulders. “Don’t fight with your brother,” “wash your hands before dinner,” and “by the way, you’re going to be King of England one day,” cannot be easy as a parent. I love how William and Kate are reframing it in a more positive aspect — as something the kids can enjoy with meaningful work (and perks, of course) and to think of it as a destiny rather than a duty.

“He is the most normal 12-year-old future monarch we have ever had,” a close palace insider told the outlet. “And that is a very good thing.”

Prince William, Prince George, Kate Middleton, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte watch the flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 05, 2025 in London, England.
Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images.

George and his siblings are returning to Lambrook School in September, where George will finish his last year before continuing his education. He will likely go to Eton College next year, the all-boys boarding school where Prince William and Prince Harry went, which is close to the family’s new home in Windsor Great Park.

As he grows up, Prince George seems to be maturing and embracing the monarchy. Like when he went to 80th anniversary of VE Day in London in May, where a veteran named Alfred Littlefield told Prince William, “You should be very proud” of the way Prince George acted at the event.

“George was the star of the room,” an insider told Hello! “He was engrossed in conversation with many of the veterans, who were delighted to speak to him as well. He was enjoying it, hearing about guns and submarines and tanks.”

At the time, Hardman told Hello! that this event was an example of how the Prince and Princess of Wales were making a “slow, incremental move towards [George’s] destiny.”

“They’ve always been very clear about pacing it, not making the children do anything that puts them off the idea of being royal in the future,” Hardman continued. “It’s a case of including him in things that he’ll enjoy but that also touch on his life to come. George will one day be commander-in-chief of the armed forces and will almost certainly do a bit of time in one of the forces, so meeting veterans felt very appropriate.”

It’s so cool to see how the royals are preparing their son for the future in a way that doesn’t feel scary or intimidating. They definitely put their kids first, and we can see the benefits of that in real time.  

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