He’s been in the public spotlight since his mum Diana, Princess of Wales, debuted him to the world from the steps of St Mary’s Hospital in London just hours after giving birth. And after feeling like his chance at a normal childhood – and his relationship with his younger brother Prince Harry – was ruined by the burden of being told he was a future king from a very young age, Prince William, 38, has vowed to protect his own children from the same fate.
Speaking on the Royally Obsessed podcast, The Crown’s historical consultant and respected royal biographer Robert Lacey revealed the Duke of Cambridge is determined to give George, 7, Charlotte, 5, and Louis, 2, as normal an upbringing as possible – even if it means withholding the truth about their futures from them.
“William felt he was told his destiny too casually and it was just assumed,” Lacey shared. “He was thrown into it without any preparation. It robbed him, in a way, of his childhood. He’s tried to keep the early years precious for George,” he explained.
While he’s still just a young boy, George – who is third in line to the British throne behind his grandfather Prince Charles, 71, and father – has already had to undertake special duties that have separated him from his younger brother and sister. While William is unable to hold him back from his obligations, he’s still tried to shield his eldest child from learning too much about his royal destiny.
This story is from the January 25, 2021 edition of WHO.
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This story is from the January 25, 2021 edition of WHO.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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