Prince George may be just 12, but as the eldest child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, he is second in line to the British throne. Royal biographers revealed this week that the Prince and Princess of Wales deliberately waited until George was about seven before telling him about his future role, allowing him as “normal” a childhood as possible.
William and Kate have taken a modern approach to raising their children, prioritizing family life away from the cameras while preparing George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, for royal duties in due time. With King Charles still undergoing cancer treatment, questions about the monarchy’s future remain, but insiders stress George’s “destiny” is framed in positive terms rather than “duty.”
After Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022, Charles became king and William the heir apparent, making George next in line after his father.
Curious about who else follows him in the line of succession? Click through this gallery to see the royals waiting their turn.