Prince George could undergo 'vital military training whether he likes it or not' as future king
The young prince turned 12 on July 22
Prince George might have to complete military training in the years to come, whether he wants to or not, as part of his preparation to become king one day, a former royal staffer has claimed.
Grant Harrold, who served as a royal butler to King Charles (then Prince of Wales) from 2004 to 2011, said that military training is considered a non-negotiable tradition for future monarchs.
Prince George may undergo military training when he’s older
Speaking to online learning platform Study Dog, Grant said Prince George will almost certainly follow in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, and grandfather, King Charles, both of whom underwent military training.
“It is seen as vital for future kings to have had some sort of military training,” Grant explained, as reported by Express. “So you can guarantee that George, whether he likes it or not, will have to go through that military training.”
So you can guarantee that George, whether he likes it or not, will have to go through that military training.
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst has long been the starting point for senior royals entering military service.
Both William and George’s uncle, Prince Harry, completed training at the academy. Meanwhile, King Charles served in both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy in the 1970s.
Grant believes Prince George, currently second in line to the throne, could one day take part in similar military service.
“You’re the commanding chief of the Armed Forces,” Grant noted. “So you’ve got to know the profession.”
However, Grant acknowledged that the expectations may differ for the next generation.
“There might not be so much pressure when it comes to George. Only time will tell,” he added.
Prince George’s future as a king
When asked whether it would be considered unusual if the younger royals, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, skipped university in favour of a military path, Grant said public perception has shifted.
He said he doesn’t think the public would frown upon the younger royals not attending university.
This marks a notable shift from the generation of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The Prince and Princess of Wales both attended the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
Still, as a future king, Prince George’s future is expected to be more structured and traditional than that of his siblings.
Prince William and Princess Kate have reportedly already started preparing Prince George, who turned 12 on July 22, for his future royal role.
During VE Day celebrations in May, George joined his parents at a tea party for veterans. George’s younger siblings didn’t attend, signalling his emerging responsibilities as a future monarch.
Insiders say that the Prince and Princess of Wales have begun gradually explaining aspects of kingship to their son.
At 12 years old, George reportedly knows that he will one day become king.
While George still has a few years before major decisions about education and training need to be made, it’s clear that his path may include certain requirements, including military service.
Read more: Prince George smiles in ‘beautiful’ new birthday photo released by William and Kate
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