
- According to a new report, Prince George learned sometime "around his seventh birthday" that he's going to be king someday.
- Royal historian and author Robert Lacey wrote about Prince William and Kate Middleton's approach to breaking the news to George in a new chapter for his biography Battle of Brothers.
- "Sometime around the boy's seventh birthday in the summer of 2020 it is thought that his parents went into more detail about what the little prince's life of future royal 'service and duty' would particularly involve," Lacey wrote.
Prince William and Kate Middleton make a point to treat all three of their kids as equals, but there is something that sets their oldest son, Prince George apart, not just from his siblings, but from, well, almost every other human on the planet. In fact, only a few of George's own relatives really get it. George is a direct heir to the British throne, a distinction shared only by his dad, Prince William, and his grandfather, Prince Charles.
According to royal historian Robert Lacey, Will and Kate put a lot of thought into how and when to explain to George that he'll be king someday—and what that means—and that the couple wanted to have the conversation with George at a "controlled moment of their choice."
In a new chapter for his book Battle of Brothers, Lacey explained that the Cambridges are thought to have broken the news to George sometime around his seventh birthday, which the young royal celebrated in July 2020.
"William has not revealed to the world how and when he broke the big news to his son. Maybe one day George will tell us the story himself. But sometime around the boy's seventh birthday in the summer of 2020 it is thought that his parents went into more detail about what the little prince's life of future royal 'service and duty' would particularly involve," Lacey wrote in the new chapter, according to the Daily Mail. "William's aim as a father, the prince stressed, was to give his son 'a normal family upbringing,' enabling the monarchy 'to stay relevant and keep up with modern times.'"
As the Daily Mail points out, if Lacey's timeline for the conversation is accurate, it means George wasn't aware of his future role in the royal family when he posed alongside the Queen, Prince Charles, and Prince William for the instantly-iconic "Four Monarchs" photo in December 2019.
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)
A photo posted by on
Royal author and expert Katie Nicholl has said in the past that Will and Kate were trying to introduce George "gradually" to the fact that he'll be the monarch someday, but that the young royal has known for some time that he's "different" than his siblings because he's often "singled out" to spend more time with his great-grandmother, the Queen (and, of course, for things like the Four Monarchs portrait).
"They make a point of ensuring their three children feel equal and that they’re all treated the same," Nicholl told OK! of Will and Kate's parenting strategy.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Finally, Stylish Summer Jewelry You Can Sweat, Swim, and Shower in
Waterproof pieces you can keep on all summer long.
By Emma Childs
-
These Brushes Will Completely Change How You Apply Makeup
The Kevyn Aucoin The Duet Foundation Brush is our desert island pick.
By Samantha Holender
-
Channing Tatum Says He YouTubed How to Braid Daughter Everly's Hair When He Became a Single Dad
Two words: Girl. Dad.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Blames 'Daily Mirror' Publishers for Chelsy Davy Breakup in Court Documents
The court case began this week.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Tabloid Stories About Prince Harry Came From Members of the Royal Family, 'Daily Mirror' Publisher Claims
These claims could corroborate previous statements from Harry.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Hugged a Little Girl Who Burst Into Tears During Windsor Walkabout, And Told Her Mom to Get Her an Ice Cream
So cute!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Here's How Princess Kate Kept an Eye on Prince Louis During the Coronation, According to a Body Language Expert
Smart.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Louis Was Filmed Eating a S'more So Delicious It Literally Made Him "Weak at the Knees"
Oh, Louis.
By Iris Goldsztajn