Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare giving great thought to how they raise the next generation of royals.
The Prince and Princess of Wales especially want to make the transition into royal duties as easy as possible for their eldest son and Prince William’s heir,Prince George, 10.
“William is trying to normalize it. They’re not in denial and there’s a lot of thought being given to it, which was not always the case,” Robert Hardman, whose bookThe Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchyis out now, tells PEOPLE exclusively.
“With George, there’s a sense that the priority is that he and his siblings are not put off this, that it’s not scary, that it’s something that they understand and it’s going to be part of their life,” Hardman says. “And there’s a belief to make it as unobtrusive and as normal — if you can call it normal — and as pleasant as possible.”
The author adds, “Crucially, it’s both of them — William and Catherine.”
Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince George at the Big Help Out in May 2023.Daniel Leal/Getty
Daniel Leal/Getty
In addition to his duties as Prince of Wales, William, 41, feels that training his heir is paramount, Hardman writes in his book.
“In his view, it’s not far off the most important job he has – raising the next King,” a family friend says inMaking of a King.
King Charles' future was largely determined without his consultation, Hardman says.
Prince George and Prince William at Wimbledon in July 2023.Karwai Tang/WireImage
Karwai Tang/WireImage
However, Prince William enjoyed a notable level of autonomy in selecting his university education, engaging with the armed forces and undertaking initial royal responsibilities — and he wants the same for his son.
“There is no expectation that any royal duties are going to kick in until George is well into his 20s,” a Kensington Palace source says in the book. “Before he was evenmade a page at the coronation, William and Catherine wanted to ask him if he felt comfortable about it because he was clearly the youngest. It turned out he was keen.”
“I think it’s very much parents first,” Hardman says. “If he was asked to, he’d be delighted, but I think this is very much parent-driven. I suspect the time will come rather like that rather sweet rapport between the late Queen and Prince William, but I suspect not yet.”
Prince William and Prince George in France in October 2023.Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images
Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images
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Prince William made it clear that his duties as a husband and parent came first when Princess Kateunderwent abdominal surgerylast month. William took time out of the public eye during her recovery so he could help her andkeep a normal schedulefor Prince George,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5.
“We know they are a very tight family unit, and he wants to be there for them,” Hardman told PEOPLE. “So much of what they do with those kids is about normalizing life and not making them feel like they are in a special gilded cage.”
“They are a modern royal couple,” added Hardman. “There would have been more delegation [in the past]. Hedoesn’t want to leave it all to the nanny.”
Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at Trooping the Colour 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
But with King Charles, 75, also out of the spotlight as hereceives cancer treatment, it’s expected thatPrince William will bethe face of the monarchy along with Queen Camilla, 76.
“It is hard with Kate being ill as well, buthe will step up,” said a source close to the royal household.
source: people.com
