As Prince George approaches his teenage years, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Kate Middleton, are adopting a deliberate, measured approach to preparing their eldest son for his destiny as future monarch. Now 12 years old and second in line to the throne, George has experienced a pivotal 2025 marked by increased exposure to royal duties, all while his parents prioritize a normal childhood. This “slow game,” as royal experts describe it, balances tradition with modernity, ensuring George grows confident without feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the crown.

William and Kate have long emphasized normalcy for George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The family resides in Windsor, where the children attend Lambrook School, a co-educational day institution allowing school runs, sports, and family time away from intense scrutiny. This contrasts with past royal upbringings, reflecting William’s desire to avoid the pressures he faced. Experts note that George only became fully aware of his future role around age seven or eight, after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022, when his parents gently explained the changes ahead.

In 2025, George’s public appearances increased thoughtfully, focusing on events of national significance to acclimate him gradually. A landmark moment came in May during the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when George joined his parents at a Buckingham Palace tea party for World War II veterans.

This was one of his first solo engagements without siblings, highlighting the monarchy’s armed forces ties and allowing George to converse with veterans firsthand.

Later, in November, George accompanied Kate to the Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall, stepping in while William was abroad.

He displayed poise, understanding the event’s solemnity. In December, he joined William at The Passage charity, serving Christmas dinner—a nod to Princess Diana’s legacy.

These outings teach duty, service, and public interaction without overload. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams praises this as acclimatizing George to media attention gently.

Family traditions like Trooping the Colour provide lighter exposure.

Here, George learns protocol amid celebration.

William draws from his experiences, aiming for a less isolating path. He and Kate model charity involvement, fostering empathy. Sources say George appears “not daunted,” showing quiet confidence.

Educationally, George attends coed schools, breaking from single-sex traditions. Secondary school looms in 2026, with speculation on Eton or Marlborough—Kate reportedly favors the latter for its coed environment.

As King Charles reduces treatments in 2026, William and Kate prepare for elevated roles, including royal warrants from spring. This shifts focus to the next generation, with George central to a modernized monarchy—more accessible and grounded.

Experts like Marlene Koenig note Kate’s “different” nurturing role: emotional support alongside William’s practical guidance. The couple modernizes by prioritizing family, delaying full duties until George’s 20s.

In 2026, more milestones await, but William and Kate’s approach ensures George embraces his role joyfully. By blending normalcy with purposeful exposure, they craft a future king who is prepared, resilient, and relatable—ready to lead a contemporary monarchy.