Being Prince George

An inside look at what life is really like for the 9-year-old future king of England.

Prince William is known for being quite reserved when it comes to sharing royal family business. But the hands-on dad of three can be quite effusive about his children, once calling Princess Charlotte, 7, “cheeky” and revealing that Prince Louis, 4, loves to follow his big sister around the house. He’s saved some of his funniest comments for his eldest son, Prince George. “George is a right little rascal sometimes,” William said on one talk show. “He keeps me on my toes.”

And then some. According to a palace insider, William and his wife, Princess Kate, have told friends that George — second in line to throne after his father — can be a real handful. From being the class clown to playing video games and demanding pricey sneakers, the 9-year-old is giving William and Kate a run for their money. “George occasionally gets into trouble at school,” says the insider. “He’ll talk in class or make silly faces to get his classmates to laugh. It’s actually pretty funny. Kate and William are usually amused when the teacher tells them what mischievous George has been up to!”

ROYAL DEMANDS

William, 40, and Kate, 41, are said to be doing their best to keep the future king grounded. “George is aware of who he is and what role he will take in the future,” says the insider. “His parents gently explained that when he was 6 or 7, and they remind him often.” Keeping family routines, adds the insider, “provides them with a sense of normalcy.”