Horrifying task Prince George will have to complete as soon as he turns 16

Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, is being prepared for a significant future role as the next in line to the British throne. Despite his young age, George faces a daunting task that awaits him as he grows older. This task involves witnessing and potentially partaking in the public duties and responsibilities that come with being a member of the royal family, including a particularly unsettling tradition for British monarchs—being present at royal funerals.

Royal author Duncan Larcombe has noted that George, like his predecessors, will likely have to participate in royal funeral processions, which can be a traumatic experience for a young child. This expectation is part of the ceremonial traditions that royal family members are often required to observe. Larcombe drew parallels to past royal children, including Prince William and Prince Harry, who had to endure similar experiences at a young age, notably during the funeral of their mother, Princess Diana. The author expressed concern over the psychological impact of such public events on children.

Prince George’s upbringing is already distinct from his predecessors. Unlike previous generations of royal children who attended boarding school from an early age, George is currently attending Lambrook School as a day pupil, which allows him to live at home with his family. This setup reflects the modern approach Prince William and Kate are taking to raise their children, emphasizing a more balanced and less publicized lifestyle. The couple aims to provide George, along with his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, a relatively normal childhood, away from the constant scrutiny of the media.

The future responsibilities awaiting George also include the expectation of continuing his education at prestigious institutions like Eton College, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Prince Harry. His academic journey will likely involve rigorous preparations and entrance exams, which are standard for entry into such elite schools. This traditional route is seen as a preparation for the formal and public life that awaits him as a future monarch. The education at Eton, known for its mix of traditional and modern values, is expected to equip George with the necessary skills and experiences to fulfill his future royal duties.

Moreover, Prince William and Kate are keen on ensuring that George and his siblings grow up with a strong sense of family unity. This is partly in response to the challenges and tensions that arose between Prince William and Prince Harry, often referred to as the “heir and spare” dynamic. By fostering a close-knit relationship among their children, William and Kate hope to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. They are particularly conscious of the pressures that come with the spotlight, aiming to shield their children from excessive public attention and the pitfalls of royal life.