At just 12 years old, Prince George is already carrying the weight of a destiny that will one day see him become King of the United Kingdom. Yet, according to those closest to the royal family, the young prince is being raised to enjoy as normal a childhood as possible. Insiders have even gone so far as to dub him the most “normal 12-year-old future monarch” Britain has ever seen.
“He comes across as a serious chap,” one insider told People. “To have the world’s eyes on you, especially when you’re so young, is demanding.” Despite the immense pressure that comes with being second in line to the throne, George is said to balance his royal responsibilities with the same joys and challenges faced by other children his age.
Behind his calm demeanor lies a playful side. Friends of the family reveal that George is just as enthusiastic about football as any other schoolboy and spends much of his free time kicking a ball around.
Much of George’s well-rounded upbringing can be attributed to Prince William and Princess Kate’s conscious efforts to modernize royal parenting. Unlike previous generations, William and Kate have chosen to raise their three children—George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—in a more down-to-earth way.
A striking example of this approach is their decision to send all three children to the same coeducational school, a break from royal tradition. “That chimes with William wanting to do things in a more modern way, putting all three children in the same school,” noted royal author Sally Bedell Smith. “It’s a new direction — groundbreaking for the royal family.”
This emphasis on normalcy has shaped the rhythm of daily life. William and Kate handle school runs, attend their children’s sporting events, and prioritize privacy for the family. They deliberately avoid having live-in staff, preferring a more hands-on approach to parenting.
Another key factor in George’s upbringing is the strong influence of his maternal grandparents, Carole and Michael Middleton. Living only 30 minutes away, the Middleton remain deeply involved in the lives of George and his siblings.
“Kate’s family has set the pace, and William has been very happy to take the lead from them,” explained royal historian Robert Lacey. “Many decisions they’ve made echo Middleton decisions.” The calm, rural lifestyle Kate enjoyed growing up has inspired how she and William are raising their children, with an emphasis on serenity, stability, and close family bonds.
Continuing their efforts to provide the best environment for their children, William and Kate plan to move from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge in Windsor by the end of the year. The decision reflects their desire for both privacy and proximity to family, while maintaining a grounded lifestyle for George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Though his parents emphasize normalcy, George is gradually being introduced to the responsibilities of his royal future. On May 5, the young prince joined his elders for a tea honoring World War II veterans, an appearance that demonstrated his growing confidence.
“Even though he is so young, he seems to have grown in confidence over the last couple of years,” said Russell Myers of The Mirror.
This careful balance—encouraging George to embrace his future role without fearing it—remains central to William and Kate’s parenting philosophy.
As George marked his 12th birthday on July 22, attention has turned to the next significant step in his journey: where he will continue his education. The leading contender is Eton College, the prestigious institution where Prince William himself thrived. Located close to Windsor, Eton is renowned for its academic standards and would allow George to remain near his family home.
For now, though, George remains a boy who loves football, school, and family life—albeit one preparing for a future unlike any other. And in the eyes of insiders, that balance of duty and normalcy makes him the most “normal” young heir Britain has ever seen.
