How Prince George's incredible composure during England's crushing loss proves he's a King in the making

The Wales children have been planted firmly on the world stage since Catherine, Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis.

All eyes have been on Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Louis during their rare royal appearances this year alongside their parents Kate and Prince William.

And last night, Prince George – the future King of England – proved to millions of keen royal watchers that he is up to the tough task of dealing with intense public scrutiny.

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The young heir to the British throne stood solemnly beside his father William, the Prince of Wales, as they watched their beloved England lose 2-1 at the 2024 UEFA Euros Final.

While most 10-year-olds wouldn't have their behaviour in check when dealing with a crushing defeat, George exhibited unparalleled composure.

For much of the game, George, dressed in a suit and tie, proudly stood by his father with the maturity and grace of a much older future Sovereign.

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Of course, like his father, George's emotions and facial expressions sometimes mirrored the tense on-field action. But for the most part, he was princely.

Though he is likely decades away from assuming the throne, Prince George proved to the world he is already a King in the making.

And the eldest of the Wales children has known for years that he will one day be King. 

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British biographer and royal historian Robert Lacey previously reported George's parents told him of his destiny in a "controlled moment" which reflected "William's unhappiness at the haphazard fashion in which the whole business of his royal destiny had buzzed around his head from the start."

Lacey said this revelation was shared with George around his seventh birthday, meaning he's had close to four years to digest and understand his important future role.

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In her book The New Royals, Katie Nicholl wrote that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been raising George with a gentle guiding hand.

"They are raising their children, particularly Prince George, with an awareness of who he is and the role he will inherit, but they are keen not to weigh them down with a sense of duty," Nicholl said.

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Though George's early sense of duty and responsibility as a crowd-facing royal was on full display at the soccer.

It appears William has no problem taking his son to important events such as the 2024 Euros Final, where their every move will be photographed and meticulously documented.

It's perhaps a direct reflection of the hard work going on behind palace doors.

As royal expert Robert Jobson told The Daily Express, the senior royals including King Charles and his parents have already spent several years preparing George for his duties.

I'm told his informal chats with his grandfather are becoming more frequent," Jobson said. "You sense, just like William's relationship with the late Queen, Elizabeth II, when he was an Eton schoolboy, George's close bond with the King will be important in preparing for his future role."

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