Last week’s commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day saw the Prince and Princess of Wales joined by their three children—Prince George, Princess
Last week’s commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day saw the Prince and Princess of Wales joined by their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—but it was 11-year-old Prince George who stood out with a major step into public royal duties.
While the family made a joint appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony, George also joined his parents at a special tea party in Marble Hall, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla. The reception brought together around 50 veterans and civilians who had lived through the Second World War.
In one touching moment, George spoke with Alfred, a 101-year-old D-Day veteran. “What was it like when you were coming in?” George asked. Alfred replied simply, “Pretty awful.”
The veteran then turned to George and told him: “You know, it’s very important you are here today. It’s days like this that we should use to talk about things like this, so the younger generation can have some understanding.”
According to royal biographer Robert Jobson, author of Catherine: The Princess of Wales, the young prince’s surprise appearance was both significant and symbolic.
“This is probably the last big event where there will be veterans who served in the Second World War,” Jobson said. “So, it will stick in his memory that he met people who fought, and give him a connection to them.”
While Prince George has already taken part in major events—most notably playing a key role in his grandfather’s coronation—this personal interaction marked an important developmental milestone.
“He was meeting and conversing with veterans, which I thought was a really good move by William and Kate,” Jobson added. “They’re preparing him for public life.”
Jobson praised the Prince and Princess of Wales for gradually building their son’s confidence and comfort in the spotlight: “Kids can find it difficult to meet people, shake hands, and make eye contact, but he does it very well. They’re being careful not to overwhelm him, which is important at this delicate age, especially now that the late Queen is no longer here. It’s about continuity.”
Prince George’s growing public presence is a clear sign that the next generation of royals is being thoughtfully and deliberately prepared for the responsibilities that lie ahead.
