'WE SAW THE EVOLUTION OF A COMPETENT PRINCE'

PRINCE GEORGE CHARMED ONLOOKERS OVER EASTER AS HE APPEARED CONFIDENT AND SELF-ASSURED WHILE ON ROYAL DUTY

- REBECCA RUSSELL

The royal family were out in force last week to attend the first Easter service of the new reign at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. And while some of the main talking points proved to be Prince Louis’ first appearance at the annual service, and the effortlessly elegant outfits worn by the Princess of Wales, Zara Tindall and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, it was another royal who turned heads.

Matching his father, Prince William, in a smart blue suit, Prince George, nine, confidently strode ahead of his parents and younger siblings, prompting many to marvel at how relaxed and at ease the youngster looked to be in front of the waiting well-wishers and photographers.

While the second-in-line to the throne has previously appeared nervous at official engagements, George’s new self-assured approach bodes well for the important task that lies ahead of him when he serves as one of his grandfather’s Pages of Honour at the coronation on 6 May.

According to royal expert Jennie Bond, George has proved he’s ready for this prominent role, which will see him attend King Charles alongside fellow Pages of Honour Nicholas Barclay, 13, Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, 13, and Ralph Tollemache, 12.

“On Easter Sunday, we saw what looked like a pretty confident young man – I suppose we could almost call him now. I think we saw the evolution of a competent young prince. I hope so, because it’s a tough role he’s got – privileged, but tough,” she says.