If you’ve been watching the royal family lately, you probably noticed something. The vibe is different. It’s not just the formal balcony waves anymore. Lately, when we see Prince William and son Prince George out in the world, it feels less like a photo op and more like a very intentional, very quiet apprenticeship.
Honestly, 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year of George’s life so far. He’s turning 13 in July. In the UK, that’s the "big school" year—the jump to secondary education. But for George, it’s more than just a new uniform. It is the moment the "slow game" his parents have been playing since he was born starts to speed up.
The Eton vs. Marlborough Drama (It’s Not Just About Books)
The biggest question on everyone’s mind right now is where George is headed this September. We’ve all heard the rumors. For a long time, the betting money was on Eton College. It’s literally right down the road from their new home at Forest Lodge in Windsor. William went there. Harry went there. It’s the traditional "king-making" factory.
But here’s the thing.
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Kate might be pushing for Marlborough College. That’s her old stomping ground, and it’s co-ed. There is a lot of chatter that the Waleses want to keep George, Charlotte, and Louis together as long as possible. If George goes to Marlborough, the siblings could eventually all be at the same school, just like they are now at Lambrook.
The decision is basically "set in concrete" at this point, but the Palace is keeping it under wraps. Why? Because they know the second they announce it, that school will be under a massive microscope. They want George to have one last summer of peace before the paparazzi circus kicks into high gear.
Training a King Without Breaking a Kid
William is doing things differently than Charles did. He has to. He remembers the "goldfish bowl" of his own childhood, and he’s clearly trying to protect George from that. Royal expert Jennie Bond recently noted that William is using his own experiences to empathize with his son. He knows what it’s like to realize your life is already mapped out.
Have you heard about the "chat sofa"?
It’s one of those parenting details that sounds almost too normal for a palace. Word is, William and Kate have a strict "no shouting" rule in the house. If the kids get rowdy or start a fight, they don't get sent to their rooms. They go to the "chat sofa" to talk it out with a parent. It’s about emotional intelligence. William wants George to be a leader who actually knows how to handle his feelings, not just a figurehead who suppresses them.
The Ordinary Life of a Future Monarch
- Chores for Cash: Yes, George has to clear his own plate and do chores to get pocket money.
- The School Run: William and Kate still try to do the drop-offs and pick-ups themselves whenever they can.
- The No-Phone Zone: William recently admitted that phones have become a "tense issue" at home. He and Kate are super strict about screen time. George might get his first phone when he starts secondary school this year, but it likely won't even have internet access.
Scuba Diving and Soccer: The Bond Nobody Talks About
We see them at Aston Villa games, sure. George is a massive fan, just like his dad. William even joked that he moves around the house and puts the kids in different "lucky" positions when the team is losing.
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But did you know about the scuba diving?
Last year, William revealed that George has become an avid diver. He was 10 when they first took him under. William admitted they were worried he’d "freak out," but George absolutely loved it. It’s a shared family passion now. Kate is a big fan of cold-water swimming, and the whole family is basically obsessed with being in or on the water.
What Really Happened with the "Kingship Lessons"?
There’s been a lot of talk about George starting "kingship lessons" privately. It sounds very The Crown, doesn’t it? But in reality, it’s less about memorizing dates and more about exposure.
In 2025, we saw George at the Festival of Remembrance and even helping out at a homeless shelter called The Passage. That’s the same place Princess Diana used to take William when he was a kid. By taking George there, William isn’t just teaching him about charity—he’s connecting him to a grandmother he never met.
It’s a heavy weight for a 12-year-old. Royal historian Amanda Foreman points out that the move to Forest Lodge in Windsor was a signal. The family is centering everything around the children. They want George to feel safe and secure before the world starts demanding things from him.
The 2026 World Cup and Beyond
Looking ahead, we might see George on his first major solo-ish international tour. There’s a good chance William will take him to the U.S. for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The finals are in New Jersey, and William is a huge soccer fan (obviously). Taking George to a global event like that is the perfect way to let him experience the public eye in a setting he actually enjoys.
But it’s not all fun and games.
As King Charles continues his health journey, the "slimmed-down monarchy" is looking thinner than ever. The pressure is on William to be the face of the family, which means George is being pulled into the spotlight sooner than his parents might have liked.
Actionable Insights for Royal Observers
If you're following the trajectory of the Wales family, here is what you should keep an eye on over the next few months:
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- Watch the July 22nd Birthday: This is when we’ll likely get a new official portrait and perhaps a hint at the school choice.
- The "Phone" Factor: Keep an eye on reports about George’s tech. The way William handles his son’s digital life is setting a precedent for how the monarchy handles the modern world.
- Sports Appearances: If the England team is playing, look for George. These "casual" appearances are actually the most important part of his training—learning to be "one of the people" while being the future King.
The transition from "Little George" to "Prince George, the heir" is happening right now. It’s a delicate balance of trying to keep him a normal kid who loves scuba diving and Aston Villa, while preparing him for a crown that he didn't choose but must eventually wear.