Prince William being pressured to push George into limelight: 'Public needs to fall in love'

Prince George just turned 12 and while Prince William has been working hard to protect his eldest son’s privacy, royal insiders say the future king can’t stay hidden forever.

Despite being second in line to the throne, George has been raised with as normal a childhood as possible, appearing publicly only at carefully selected royal events.

But according to royal commentator Katie Nicholl, there’s a growing belief within palace circles that the public must connect with him sooner rather than later.

Nicholl explained that William, 43, is committed to avoiding the “overexposure” he and Prince Harry faced growing up, but added that this strategy has its limits.

“William doesn't want George to have the same level of exposure he and Prince Harry had as kids, so it has to be done very carefully.”

Still, she says visibility is crucial: “[Prince] William has the sense to know that the public needs to fall in love with George as a youngster.”

“He has to have a presence, and he can't be kept under lock and key and only introduced when he's 18.”

George has only been seen at major royal outings like Trooping the Colour, Easter services, Christmas at Sandringham, and high-profile national ceremonies.

He and Princess Charlotte have also attended Wimbledon, while all three Wales children took part in King Charles’s Coronation.

Behind the scenes, palace aides say the young royal is already being gradually prepared for his future role. Nicholl noted: “The aides I've spoken to and those who know him best say he is absolutely prepared.”

“Of course, it's not a moment he wants to think about. He loves his father and wants him to be around for a long time, but when the time comes, he will be ready.”

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