Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage, Hugo Burnand/Buckingham Palace via Getty
Prince George’s special role at his grandfatherKing Charles' coronation will be a historic first.
Buckingham Palace announced last week thatPrince WilliamandKate Middleton’s 9-year-old son will serve as aPage of Honorat the crowning ceremony — but there’s more to the story. Prince George is second in line to the throne (behind his father, Prince William), and his coronation participation marks the first time in modern royal history that a future monarch is officially involved in such a service. According toThe Telegraph, George will become the youngest future king to play an official role at a coronation.
“Bringing George in also sends all the right symbolism for the future and gives him something he will always remember,” royal author Hugo Vickers toldThe Timesbefore plans were finalized.
The Queen Mother, Prince Charles and Princess Margaret.Topical Press Agency/Getty Images
Both Charles and Elizabeth appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with other members of the royal family following each coronation.
It remains unclear whetherPrince William, who became heir to the throne following the death of his grandmotherQueen Elizabethin September and the accession of his father King Charles, might be involved in the upcoming crowning ceremony.
Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret and King George VI on the balcony at Buckingham Palace May 12, 1937 after the coronation of King George VI.Getty Images
“It’s a lovely idea to involve their own family members in these roles, rather than having aristocrats' sons and daughters doing it. It is all part of the inclusivity of the family and strengthens their bonds,” Vickers toldThe Timesof King Charles and Queen Camilla bringing their grandchildren into the crowning ceremony.
Prince Georgewill take his place alongside Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, 13, the younger twin son of the Marquis of Cholmondeley (who was recently named as Charles' Lord-in-Waiting) and his wife Rose — Norfolk neighbors ofPrince Williamand Princess Kate. The other two pages are Nicholas Barclay and Ralph Tollemache.
Children and grandchildren of the Queen Camilla arrive at Westminster Abbey ahead of The State funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022 in London, England.Chris Jackson/Getty
The Queen Consort is also a grandmother to Lola Parker Bowles, 15, and Eliza Lopes, 15. Queen Camilla’s children and grandchildren all attended the state funeral ofQueen Elizabethin September.
Prince George’s involvement in the coronation has been a subject of family discussion behind the scenes as his parents juggled the unique honor with the pressure it might put on their son’s shoulders.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson says, “We’re all very excited aboutPrince George’s role in the coronation, it will be an incredibly special moment.”
Queen Camilla, Prince George and King Charles.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
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The Prince and Princess of Wales are “cognizant that he is old enough to understand what’s going on,” a royal source told PEOPLE. But they’re mindful that normal life resumes when George is back at school with his classmates the following week, where the weekend’s events will likely be the talk of his classmates.
“His parents are very excited and delighted that he is a page,” a spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Wales tells PEOPLE. “It’s something that his parents have thought long and hard about and are very much looking forward to — and I’m sure George is too.”
source: people.com
