THE LITTLE PRINCE
Eight is great! The sweet royal is coming out of his shell — and already prepping for his role as future king of England
He’s a big kid now! Royal insiders give Us a peek inside the private world of the future king of England, Prince George.
It was a birthday party fit for a prince! To celebrate Prince George turning 8 on July 22, Prince William and Duchess Kate pulled out all the stops for their firstborn. “They surprised George with a soccer-themed cake,” says an insider, “and he got lots of great presents, including a nature explorer set and a new watch.” Siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis made George homemade cards and his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, called via Zoom and sent a special gift. Adds the insider: “It was a wonderful celebration.”
It was also a bittersweet one for William and Kate, who can’t believe how quickly time is flying. “They remember taking George home from the hospital like it was yesterday,” a second source tells Us. “It’s hard for them to believe he’s 8 years old.” But they couldn’t be prouder of the boy he’s become. “Of course, George can be handful at times, but Kate and William are so impressed with how intelligent and kind he is,” says the source. “They’re grateful for every second they have with him and feel a real sense of joy when they picture what an amazing life he has in front of him.”
KID STUFF
According to a third source, the future king (he’s third in line to the throne after father William and grandfather Prince Charles) has come into his own in the last few years. “It’s quite unbelievable how much George has grown up,” says the source. “He’s
not as shy as he used to be. He’s popular and outgoing and is so much more confident.”
George loves to take charge at home with Charlotte, 6, and Louis, 3. “He’ll organize games for them to compete in and often involves their parents too. They’ll do sprints in the garden or soccer challenges or play hide-and-seek,” reveals the second source. “He’s great at getting everyone involved.” But he can be a bit of a sore loser! “When George doesn’t win, he’ll sulk and insist they go again until he’s the champ,” says the source. “He always calms down in the end and he’s learning to be more gracious, but George definitely has a
feisty, rambunctious side to his personality.”
He takes his role as big brother pretty seriously. “George is very sweet and protective and watches over his siblings like he’s guarding them sometimes,” says the source, noting that he often helps Charlotte with her schoolwork and likes to read stories to Louis and take him on hikes. He’s also introducing Louis to soccer. Adds the source, “George loves sports.” (The third source says he’s about to begin cricket lessons!)
As for his studies, the young prince likes science, history and English. “He’s very smart,” shares the second source, “and is a great little writer.”
RULES APPLY
Kate and William, both 39, are doing their best to keep their children as grounded as possible, despite their royal status. “They want George to have a normal life,” says the insider. “At school, he’s known simply as George and he mixes with plenty of children his own age. Kate and William don’t shower him with expensive gifts nor do they spoil him,” the insider continues, adding, “He engages in activities similar to any other 8-year-old — horseback-riding lessons, swimming and playing board games.”
The insider says that the Cambridges are “strict but fair” when it comes to keeping George in line. “When he misbehaves, Kate and William rarely raise their voices,” notes the insider. “Instead, they’ll ask him why he acted in a certain way, listen to what he has to say and explain how he can improve his behavior.” The second source says George is expected to follow certain rules to the letter. “His use of electronics is limited to an hour or two or day, and he reads educational books,” explains the source. “Junk food is a no-no except for special occasions, and he has to do his share of chores around the house.”
HUGE ROLE
He may be small, but George is being prepped
GEORGE IS CONFIDENT AND ENERGETIC. HE’S VERY ADVENTUROUS AND LIKES DOING THINGS HIS WAY.” AN INSIDER
for his future on the throne.
“Everyone says that George is already aware that one day he’ll be king — and he finds that very exciting,” says the second source. “He’s been told what a privilege it is for him to be in his position,” adds the source, “and that there are many responsibilities that come with being a senior royal.” The third source says William and Kate are taking a “step-by-step approach” and explaining things to George in tidbits, like his family history and about philanthropy and giving back.
Boarding school would be the next step in George following in his father’s footsteps. The third source says William has been looking at Ludgrove, which is where he and brother Prince Harry went (they both began at age 8). “Kate’s a little hesitant, but George really wants to go,” shares the source. “At the end of the day, she’ll do what’s best for him.”
CENTER STAGE
In the meantime, Kate and William are trying to ease their son into the spotlight.
On June 29, George tagged along with William to watch a Euro 2020 soccer match and the third source says he’ll attend the queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year to mark her 70th year wearing the crown. While the attention may be overwhelming, William and Kate will be by George’s side every step of the way. “They’ve vowed to be there for him,” reveals the second source. “William knows better than anyone what it’s like to deal with the pressure of public scrutiny, so he’s determined to guide George through this.”
If anyone is up for the challenge, it’s George. Says the source, “He’s a resilient and intelligent character who’s already highly focused and levelheaded about it all.”