15 July 2023 , 21:45
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Prince William and Kate Middleton have reportedly decided their eldest child Prince George can skip tradition and not join the Armed Forces.
While most male heirs are expected to serve their country in some way, the usual stint of duty is reportedly not something George will not contend with unless he expresses a desire to join. Historian Dominic Sandbrook said the tradition is changing within The Firm, and future heirs and other members of the royals could even go on to take on civilian roles.
A friend of Prince William reportedly said Kate and William will not stand in the way of George finding his own destiny and passion in life. He said: "In theory, there is nothing to stop George from pursuing a career as an astronaut, for example, if that’s what he wants, and then becoming King later.
Prince George stands alongside his younger brother Louis during Trooping the Colour (UK Press via Getty Images)‘The rules are different now, he wouldn’t necessarily have to follow the old formula of going into the military and then Royal life. ‘So, could Charlotte qualify as a doctor, for example? I don’t see why not. It’s less of a fishbowl now than when William and Harry were growing up."
The second in line to the throne will therefore be allowed to skip his serving time and find a job more suitable to his passion, The Mail on Sunday understands.
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William and Harry stand during a photocall at RAF (Royal Air Force) Shawbury (AFP/Getty Images)As second-in-line to the throne, like his father, Prince William, he is set to be a future King and appears to already being primed for a life of royal duty. Later this month, he will turn 10 years old - just weeks after being given a prominent role as a page of honour at his grandfather King Charles' Coronation.
Currently, his parents are balancing the need for him to get used to public life with their overwhelming desire for him to have a normal childhood and school life alongside his sister Princess Charlotte and younger brother Prince Louis.
Prince George of Wales raises the ramp on the C17 plane during the visit to the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford (Getty Images)Their decision was said to link to "William's unhappiness at the haphazard fashion in which the whole business of his royal destiny had buzzed around his head from the start."
It has recently been a busy time for George, Charlotte and Louis after they made appearances at the likes of the Coronation, the Big Help Out and Trooping the Colour - but now they are enjoying the first week of their summer holidays.