Prince George and Charlotte showing ‘teamwork’ says Nicholl

Prince William and Princess Kate must ensure that the Royal Family rallies around Prince George as second in line to the throne in a rapidly changing world, several experts have told Express.co.uk. 

King Charles’s Coronation has sent a reminder both to George and the world of his position in the Monarchy.  

Expectations and hopes placed on him are likely to change over the coming years, the beginning of which was seen at the ceremony.  

The nine-year-old took on the role of Page of Honour, a bigger role than his siblings, indicative of his being the oldest but also the future before him. 

As he grows older and steps further into the limelight, experts have shared how the young prince can be supported — just as the world around the Royal Family “rapidly evolves”.

A new approach

Royal families across the world have long adopted a “structured, focused approach” when it comes to preparing their children for the exposure and scrutiny that comes with being royal, child psychologist Dr Ramya Mohan explained. 

However, she told of how Kate and William may need to adapt this as knowledge of child psychology continues to improve along with the fact that the world is a very different place compared to 30 years ago when the Prince of Wales was the same age.

She explained: “Our approach to children and our knowledge of the psychological aspects of growing up is constantly evolving and improving. We live in a changing society of reconfigured families and precocious exposure.

“Challenges and mental health difficulties are increasing exponentially, alongside dynamic societal and global changes. Being sensitive to all these aspects would be considered crucial for a child’s healthy development, especially when they face public scrutiny constantly.”

Behavioural expert Abdullah Boulad also told Express.co.uk that adaptability was important as each child should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis as preparation for exposure and challenges will vary from individual to individual.

He added: “It’s essential to recognise that each person’s experience is unique, and the quality of support and resources available may have changed over time.”

The Waleses do already appear to be taking a somewhat alternative approach to their family, “curating” George’s public appearances in a completely different way to that which William experienced.

Author Richard Kay told the Royal Observer: “William and [Prince] Harry, particularly William, were thrust from a very young age centre stage. William has taken a different view, he wants to protect [his children] for as long as possible, give them some semblance of a normal childhood.”

Don’t miss…
King’s Coronation snubbed as more people watched the Queen’s in 1953[ANALYSIS]
Commonwealth MAP: Who has pledged allegiance to King – and who hasn’t?[INSIGHT]
Kate should have had more than a ‘supporting’ role in Coronation[REPORT]

Great expectations

Dr Mohan explained that this will reflect in his daily routine, requirements, and commitments as he is required to take on a more public role, exemplified by his taking on a different role than his siblings at the Coronation. 

The young Prince would benefit from William and Kate ensuring he receives “gentle understanding and consistent, firm, balanced support”, she said. 

However, she believes that this type of support must not only come from his immediate family but those around him “at all levels” at a “key stage of his developmental trajectory”.

His parents, she said, can help ensure that everyone around him helps him find a “good balance” between his family culture and traditions, his development, and the “rapidly” evolving world, while also beginning to have discussions about what the future will hold. 

As George is just nine years old, the experts said it is unlikely that he has a full understanding of his place in the Royal Family and in the line of succession.

However, as he grows older, he will become more and more aware, and so it is “essential”, Mr Boulad said, that George is couched in a “supportive environment” with access to “appropriate resources to manage these pressures”.

He added: “It’s important for his family and close circle to engage in age-appropriate discussions with him, helping him navigate and process these complex emotions.”

Source: Read Full Article