Prince George, along with his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, has captured the hearts of many around the world as they grow up in the public eye.
However, as the eldest son of The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George’s future role as king could mark a significant departure from royal tradition.
Experts speculate that Prince George, now 10 years old, is likely to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps by steering the monarchy towards a less formal and more modern direction.
Yet, a potential deviation from tradition looms large if Prince George chooses not to pursue military service, a customary rite for generations of British royals.
While the royal family has already been transitioning towards a more streamlined and less formal image, the prospect of Prince George, the first future king with commoner ancestry through his mother, brings a unique twist to the narrative of the monarchy’s evolution.
Commentators predict that under King Charles’s reign, the monarchy will continue to adapt, possibly resembling those of mainland Europe rather than its imperial roots. This shift could see Prince George inheriting a monarchy markedly different from what his predecessors experienced.
Last year, reports surfaced suggesting that Prince George might not be obligated to serve in the military before assuming the throne, a departure from centuries-old tradition. However, military service is deemed crucial not only for its disciplinary value but also for imparting an understanding of rank and a guard against excessive self-importance.
King Charles’s recent coronation provided a glimpse into the future of the royal family, with endearing family moments between Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis stealing the spotlight. Princess Charlotte’s evident pride in her elder brother’s role during the ceremony underscored the close bond shared between the siblings.
Former BBC Royal correspondent Jenny Bond notes that Prince George and Princess Charlotte enjoy a relatively normal upbringing, with hands-on parenting from both Prince William and Princess Katherine. This upbringing, coupled with their sibling bond, is expected to shape their future roles within the monarchy.
The close relationship between Prince George and Princess Charlotte draws parallels to that of King Charles and Princess Anne, signaling a continuation of familial dynamics across generations of royals. Royal fans have taken note of Charlotte’s feisty demeanor, reminiscent of Anne’s assertiveness, while George exhibits a more contemplative nature akin to his grandfather.
As Prince George’s reign looms on the horizon, his decisions regarding military service and the monarchy’s adaptation to modernity will undoubtedly shape the future of the British royal family. Whether the monarchy retains its traditional essence or undergoes further transformation remains to be seen, but Prince George’s choices are poised to leave an indelible mark on royal history.