Despite being the future King of England, Prince George isn’t growing up with any special privileges—at least not at home.
Prince William and Princess Kate are making deliberate choices to ensure their eldest son, along with his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, experiences a grounded upbringing.
Unlike the heavily publicized childhoods of William and Prince Harry, George’s early years are being carefully shielded from intense media and palace life.
A Measured Introduction to Royal Life
Raising a future monarch comes with unique challenges, but William and Kate are handling it with a slow and thoughtful approach. A royal insider told Royal Insider, “William and Kate are focused on giving George a happy, down‑to‑earth upbringing, while gradually helping him understand the role that awaits him.”
Despite their busy schedules, the couple remains committed to prioritizing family time. Their 2022 move to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor was part of this effort—allowing them to manage their children’s school routines themselves and maintain a sense of normalcy.
Family First, Always
A close friend of Princess Kate shared, “Because of her upbringing, she really values carving out family time and making sure it stays a priority.” The couple’s main goal is to give their children a life as close to a normal childhood as possible, mirroring the one Kate enjoyed growing up. While George is being slowly introduced to royal responsibilities, his parents want to ensure he develops an appreciation for the future ahead without feeling burdened by it too soon.
Making Royal Duty Less Intimidating
Royal biographer Robert Hardman explained, “With George, there’s a sense that the priority is that he and his siblings are not put off this. That it’s not scary, that it’s something they understand.” Over time, George’s public demeanor has shifted.
As royal expert Jennie Bond observed, “He tends to look rather serious when he’s ‘on parade’ these days. And who can blame him? It is an extraordinary prospect to know that one day you will be taking on the huge role that you are now watching your grandfather perform.”
Bond noted, however, that George is still very much a carefree boy outside of royal duties. “But he’s not, by any means, always a serious little chap,” she said. “When he’s with his dad at a football match, or fooling around with his siblings and his father, he has a wonderful smile on his face and seems happy and relaxed.”
Support from Both Sides of the Family
George’s character is also influenced by the steady presence of his grandparents, especially Kate’s parents, who often spend time with their grandchildren. A family source noted that George regularly enjoys a more “normal” side of life with them, which supports his parents’ goal of keeping royal pressures at bay during his formative years.
While George is expected to begin taking on formal royal responsibilities in his twenties, for now, William and Kate are focusing on his education and well-being—laying the foundation for a balanced life, both inside and outside of the palace.