Prince George, the eldest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, has had a slightly different schedule this year, participating in several high-profile events on his own. While William and Catherine focus on providing George, Louis, and Charlotte with a grounded upbringing, they’ve also gently introduced George, now 12, to the public eye. His appearances this year, including an unexpected visit to a VE Day tea party at Buckingham Palace and an engagement with a homelessness charity, showcase his emerging confidence and suggest that his parents are thoughtfully preparing him for his future royal duties. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams notes that these outings are strategically chosen to familiarize George with significant public roles gradually.

“William and Catherine have always valued privacy,” Fitzwilliams explained to The Daily Mail. “As George matures, he is increasingly seen at events that hold special importance, particularly those related to the armed forces and sports.” Just before turning 12, George joined his parents at a Buckingham Palace tea party honoring World War II veterans for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Dressed smartly, he attentively engaged with the veterans and exhibited a composed demeanor. Fitzwilliams remarked on George’s impressive curiosity and maturity, traits that endeared him to those present.

Veteran Alfred Littlefield, aged 101, praised Prince William for George’s conduct, saying, “You should be very proud.” Fitzwilliams commended the decision to include George in the tea party, noting his genuine interest in the veterans’ stories. “As a future monarch, he will likely serve in the military,” Fitzwilliams added. “His parents have likely instilled in him an appreciation for military traditions.” The young prince also made his first appearance at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, alongside his mother and King Charles, underscoring his growing role in significant royal events.

Poignant images showed George sitting in the front row of the Royal Box with Catherine, Charles and Queen Camilla as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Royal watchers praised the future King as he followed Catherine’s lead, watching the proceedings intently, while standing in for William – who was away in Brazil for his annual Earthshot Prize at the time. The effect of George walking in step with the Princess of Wales for such an important engagement was profound. One Instagram user wrote: ‘And so young Prince George arises. Stepping in for his father. Well done, young sir.’ Another comment read: ‘How wonderful to see George at such a wonderful occasion. He is growing up into a lovely young man, being gently guided by his lovely Mum and Dad.’ ‘Incredible to see the little Prince George attend such an important night!’ one person added, while yet another noted George is already ‘so royal in his mannerisms’ despite his young age.

One fan added it seemed like William and Catherine are ‘ teaching Prince George well for his future as King someday’. Part of this has meant bringing George into ‘William’s world’ by sharing the causes closest to his heart. As the year drew to a close, William introduced staff at The Passage to George – 32 years after he accompanied his mother, the late Princess Diana, to the same homelessness charity in a full-circle moment. When George signed his name in the visitor’s book, just under Diana and William’s names, a piece of modern royal history was etched – and its significance was not lost on him. ‘Wow. Ok,’ the awe-struck prince said, in a sweet reaction to seeing his grandmother’s name in the book. George followed in his father’s footsteps as he helped prepare Christmas lunches for the homeless, like William did when he accompanied Diana to the shelter in 1993.

The chief executive of The Passage, of which William is a patron, Mick Clarke said George got ‘stuck in’ to the various tasks of prepping their annual Christmas lunch, including creating care packages for those who couldn’t attend. Mr Clarke said there was ‘lots of banter’ as William prepared the sprouts, while George helped with the Yorkshire puddings. ‘It just shows how relaxed William is,’ he added. ‘But it also shows how relaxed George was. He clearly felt very comfortable and really enjoyed getting involved.’ Reflecting on what has been a significant year for the young boy who will, one day, become King, royal expert Ingrid Seward suggested William might be willing to give George a ‘taste’ of his future lie ‘but not the full meal’ yet.

The editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine told The Telegraph: ‘I remember [the Princess of Wales] once saying that they always discuss these appearances with George, that he is never pushed. ‘William is doing what he can to get him to look at the world in a certain way, but you can see how good George was with those old soldiers – he wants to do all these things.And William is happy for him to have a taste of it, but not the full meal.’ And with George set to begin secondary school next September, ‘the kindest thing’ his parents can do is ‘let him be a teenager’, according to Christopher Wilson. There is enough time for George to grow into his ‘unique role’.