Inside Kate Middleton's Role as Prince George Begins Preparation to Be King

Princess Kate Middleton’s involvement in eldest son Prince George’s preparation to become king will be “different” than husband Prince William’s.

“She will never have a constitutional role, except as regent in a worst-case scenario, if George becomes king before age 18,” royal historian Marlene Koenig told Us Weekly exclusively. “She is there to be the loving, supportive mom in everything George does, because he is her son first and foremost.”

Kate, 43, is not naive to her son’s future — especially as someone married to the future king.

“She and William dated for nearly 10 years before their engagement was announced, which allowed her the time and space to learn about her future life as a member of the royal family,” Koenig explained. “In time, as wife of the heir to the throne and eventually as a Queen consort. She is also the mother of a future king.”

How Prince William and Kate Are Preparing Prince George For the Throne

King Charles III and William, 43, will take the reins when it comes to preparing George with “the knowledge and practice of their roles.”

A new royal protocol kicked in last month after George turned 12, hinting that the next phase in his preparation for the throne had started.

It’s been widely reported that, because of his age, George will no longer be able to travel in the same aircraft as William on family trips. Charles’ former pilot Graham Laurie confirmed on “A Right Royal Podcast” that the same thing happened between the current monarch and his eldest son once William turned 12.

Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

“He had to have a separate aircraft and we could only fly all four together when they were young with the written permission of Her Majesty,” Laurie said, referring to the late Queen Elizabeth II. “When William became 12, he would fly normally in a 125 from Northolt and we would fly the 146 out with the other three on.”

Prince George's 12th Birthday Photo Revealed

While members of the royal family have not publicly addressed the rule, those in their inner circle have spoken about it.

This is a new rule for George, but it seems like William and Kate have been preparing their son for the throne in other ways in recent years.

Koenig explained to Us that George’s involvement in Charles’ 2023 coronation was a major step for the youngster. (George appeared in the ceremony as one of his grandfather’s train bearers.)

“George is the first member of the royal family to have such a role in the service,” Koenig noted. “If the young prince was nervous, he didn’t show it.”