While the rest of the world refers to Prince George by his official title, his parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, have seemingly omitted the honor on purpose in most of their recent posts celebrating the teenager.
A royal commentator has pointed out that the small detail speaks volumes as the couple continues to prioritize giving all three of their children a normal, well-rounded childhood.
Royal expert Jennie Bond has shed light on the family dynamics between William and Kate and their eldest son, Prince George, explaining that his royal title is effectively left at the front door when it comes to family life.
The future king and queen recently celebrated his 13th birthday by sharing a new official portrait of him in a suit, alongside an intimate behind-the-scenes holiday clip of him playing cricket and petting the family dog.
One striking detail in the social media posts was that they referred to him simply as “George,” omitting his royal title. They have done the same in birthday posts for their other children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, referring to each of them by their first names only.
Jennie Bond Explains The Parenting Message
The untrained eye might dismiss the omission as insignificant, but royal expert Jennie Bond believes it speaks volumes, particularly as William continues to champion a slimmer monarchy that feels more relaxed and relatable.
“I love the fact that they refer to him – and their other children – simply by their Christian names, without the formality or pomposity of using their titles. It sets a new tone, a tone that William has spoken about: being royal with a small ‘r’,” Bond said, per The Mirror.
William and Kate’s decision to also share casual clips of George reflects their determination to give him and his siblings a childhood removed from the pressures that accompany royal life.
“For William and Catherine, it is a way of protecting their children, and it is working well. That’s partly because the pictures are clearly quite relaxed and informal,” Bond continued.
Expert Predicts Fewer Public Appearances For Prince George
This September, George will follow in his father’s footsteps by enrolling at Eton College, where annual tuition exceeds $83,000. The move has been widely viewed as ideal preparation for his future role as a working royal.
He has made several public appearances recently, including joining his parents at “Trooping the Colour.” Last month, he also carried out his first official joint engagement with his mother when they visited the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby.
Speaking to the news outlet, Bond said additional public duties are unlikely, particularly as George prepares to return to school and his parents remain determined to keep his education free from unnecessary distractions. However, she suggested the relaxed birthday photos could become an annual tradition as William and Kate continue sharing occasional updates on his life.
George’s Childhood Differs From William’s
George’s upbringing stands in stark contrast to William’s “troubled” teenage years, when the Prince of Wales had already witnessed the breakdown of King Charles and Princess Diana’s marriage.
Bond previously recalled how Diana confided in her that the weight of William’s future as king weighed heavily on him, although he eventually came to terms with it.
“At this time in his life, William was troubled by a great deal more than just his destiny. He had witnessed and lived through the brutal breakup of his parents’ marriage; he had supported his mother through her distress, anger, and sadness,” she said, per The Mirror.
“He and Harry had become used to a rather nomadic life: sometimes with their father, sometimes with their mother and much of the time at school,” the expert continued. Bond said George’s experience has been markedly different because William and Kate have created a secure and stable family environment.
Why Eton Is The Next Big Step For Prince George
Meanwhile, George’s upcoming return to Eton has been described as a major transition for the family, particularly for siblings Charlotte and Louis, who all previously attended Lambrook School together.
Bond explained that William and Kate will naturally worry about him, even though Eton is close to their home, but they will remain a constant source of support throughout this new chapter.
Having attended the school himself while also being heir to the throne, William, she noted, is uniquely positioned to guide George through the experience and help ensure his teenage years are far less turbulent than his own.
“Diana told me the country was lucky to have William. I think George is exceptionally lucky to have the parents he has. They have given him the best, most secure start in life: he knows how much they love one another and how much they love him. He looks like a young man well equipped for this next chapter,” she added.