By George, he's 10! - KING'S PLANS FOR YOUNG PRINCE

The heir is growing up quickly - a little too fast, according to his doting mum

- Judy Kean

He's just about to turn 10 - a milestone for any child. But for Prince George, reaching double figures could be about to signal an era of extra responsibility ahead that will eventually lead to him being a full-time working royal.

His grandfather, the King, is very impressed with the way young George has handled being in the public eye, particularly his impeccable behaviour when he acted as a page of honour at the coronation, and believes he's capable of taking on more public tasks.

A palace insider says given Charles sees Prince William and his children as the future of the "slimmed down" monarchy he's keen to achieve, George's ability to appropriately represent the family is crucial and he's got off to a great start.

But while his parents want to support the King, they also want to make sure George has as normal a childhood as possible, despite the fact he will one day be sovereign. And that means balancing public duties with private life.

"The Princess of Wales is apparently happy for George to take on some extra roles at the request of the King, but she wants to be consulted to make sure she is happy with what is being asked of her son," says the insider. "To her, the King's word is not final when it comes to her children."

Prince William - who knows only too well what it's like to grow up with the responsibility of being an important part of the royal family hanging over him has repeatedly spoken about how he and Kate are determined George and his siblings, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, will have a normal upbringing.