Prince George may be just 12, but as the eldest child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, he is second in line to the British throne. Royal biographers revealed this week that the Prince and Princess of Wales deliberately waited until George was about seven before telling him about his future role, allowing him as “normal” a childhood as possible.
William and Kate have taken a modern approach to raising their children, prioritizing family life away from the cameras while preparing George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, for royal duties in due time. With King Charles still undergoing cancer treatment, questions about the monarchy’s future remain, but insiders stress George’s “destiny” is framed in positive terms rather than “duty.”
After Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022, Charles became king and William the heir apparent, making George next in line after his father.
Curious about who else follows him in the line of succession? Click through this gallery to see the royals waiting their turn.
William, Prince of Wales
Being the eldest son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales, Prince William is the heir to the British throne.
Prince George of Wales
Second in the line of succession is Prince William’s eldest son, Prince George. Born in 2013, Prince George replaced his uncle, Prince Harry as the next one in the succession line, so it’s likely that one day he will be king.
Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
The daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who was named after her late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry’s mother, Diana, is next in the line of succession.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
The second son of King Charles III comes next, but his position might change if his brother decides to have more children.
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
The cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II might never rule, but he is still in the line of succession to the British throne.
Sources: (Town & Country) (Royal) (Mental Floss)
Arthur Chatto
