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Prince George King Charles and Prince William© Getty

How future King Prince George is breaking royal traditions at just 11

The future King is subtly breaking away from traditional royal protocol

Sharnaz Shahid
Deputy Online Editor
September 21, 2024
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Prince George may only be 11 years old but he is already showing signs that he's not afraid to do things a little differently. As the future King, the young royal is beginning to carve out his own path, breaking away from some of the more traditional aspects of royal life. 

From his education to his hobbies, Prince George is already making his unique mark on the monarchy - even though his reign is still far in the future. 

King Charles walking with Prince William and Prince George behind him© WPA Pool
Prince George is the eldest son of Prince William

Here at HELLO!, we take a look at how different George's upbringing has been so far compared to his father Prince William and grandfather King Charles

Education choices 

Unlike previous generations who were educated by private tutors at home or attended exclusive schools like Eton or Gordonstoun, Prince George is a pupil at the co-educational and independent Lambrook School. 

George, Charlotte and Louis on first day at Lambrook© Getty
George, Charlotte and Louis are pupils at Lambrook

His schooling reflects Prince William and Kate's desire to give their children as normal a childhood as possible, even if that means stepping outside royal norms. 

Less public pressure

Over the years, George has enjoyed a more private upbringing compared to his dad William and uncle Prince Harry. Although he has been on a royal tour, the youngster has managed to shy away from various public outings. 

In order to ease the media pressure, the Prince and Princess of Wales have also opted to release an official portrait of him on each birthday. 

Princess Diana looking over Prince William and Prince Harry© Antony Jones/Julian Parker
A young Prince Harry and Prince William with their mother Princess Diana

Personal choices in public outings 

Despite joining his parents on the odd occasion at official engagements, such as the Platinum Jubilee and Trooping the Colour, Prince George has offered royal watchers an insight into his personal interests by making appearances at Wimbledon, the Rugby World Cup and Taylor Swift's London gig

The young prince, who has a keen interest in sport like his parents, has also attended major football matches, including the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 tournaments. Watch the clip below of William and George together at the latest EUROs...

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Prince George and Prince William are so in sync at Euro 2024 final

Modern parenting 

The Prince and Princess of Wales have adopted a modern, hands-on approach to parenting than that traditionally associated with the monarchy. They openly talk about mental health and parenting challenges, normalising conversations that previous royal generations avoided. A different path to the throne Prince William and Kate are preparing their three young children for their duty as working royals in the future. 

However, according to a royal book, future King Prince George is unlikely to carry out royal engagements until he's much older and finished with his education. Robert Hardman talks about the contrast between how King Charles and Prince William grew up in his latest publication, King Charles III: The Inside Story. 

Prince George of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon 2023 men's final © Karwai Tang
Prince George and Prince William at the Wimbledon 2023 men's final

"Whereas Charles III had his future mapped out without consultation, Prince William had a significant degree of autonomy in his choice of university education, his engagement with the armed forces and his introduction to regular royal duties. He is determined that Prince George should have a similar if not greater involvement in the way he develops his own royal role. 

"'There is no expectation that any royal duties are going to kick in until George is well into his twenties,' says a Kensington Palace veteran. 'Before he was even made a page at the Coronation, William and Catherine wanted to ask him if he felt comfortable about it because he was clearly the youngest. It turned out he was keen.'" 

Breaking royal protocol

When meeting the Obamas in 2016, Prince George and his parents hosted a dinner for Barack and Michelle Obama, where he flouted the strict dress code to meet heads of state… by wearing his dressing gown. 

Prince George meeting the Obamas© The White House
Prince George meeting the Obamas in 2016

"It's not just Congress. Even some foreign leaders they have been looking ahead, anticipating my departure," Barack joked. "Last week Prince George showed up to our meeting in his bathrobe. That was a slap in the face. A clear breach of protocol."

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