I hope the Jubilee was the start of George doing more public events. I look at how comfortable and confident Estelle is, and she's only 17 months older than him. I know girls mature faster than boys, and I know the dynamics of Sweden are different than the UK. But seeing how at ease she is, and how shy he is is quite a contrast.
I don't think there's anything wrong with being shy, by the way. I'm certainly not saying he needs to "toughen up." But George will be King one day, presumably, and I think it would be wise for Will and Kate to start taking him to smaller events frequently. Ease him into it; don't hide him away except for the odd football game here/movie premiere there.
It had to have been so overwhelming for him to go from minimal contact with the public to a weekend of Jubilee events, and I hope they start acclimating him in stages, starting quite soon. Take him to Kate's scouting events, take him to Will meeting the Lionesses; do a Victoria of Sweden style hike of a natural park with some local children...I feel like there are many ways to start gently letting him get more and more at ease and confident.
For a long time Will seemed resentful of what his role required of him, and with George already seeming a bit more reticent, it wouldn't be good for him to only have stressful interactions with the public for the next few years. Frankly I think they missed a huge opportunity by sitting out this weekend's celebrations in Norway.
I respectfully disagree. George needs to develop at his own pace. He’s responding to the pressure without putting on an act. He’ll be developing social skills among family and friends.
I definitely see where you're coming from, Hester.
I hope, though, that his parents realize that as nice as it would be for him to have as "normal" of an upbringing as possible, his future is really as un-normal as possible (ignoring the fact that there really is no such thing as normal).
I think we all remember our first day on our job, when the reality of what we were expected to do really hit us. Those of us who had apprenticeships/internships/student teaching/etc. had an easier time of it, because we at least had some experience with the role. That's why I'd like to see him do easy, small, engagements/tag-alongs, where the numbers and the pressure is less, and perhaps the media could be limited to one or two photographers, and he could have the physical and emotional support of his parents while easing in to his future. Think of how good it could be for him to go with Kate when she visits a farm and feeds the animals and interacts with children there. That would be so fun, and so easy, and thus so encouraging to George.
I just think/worry that if his only experiences with people beyond his family/school are red carpet events (which have to be so intimidating with the noise and the paparazzi and the screaming cheers, etc.) or hugely important Jubilee style events, that could be so overwhelming to him and make him resent or worse fear the role he was born to fill.
I do like, though, seeing how close he is with his cousins. That will be a source of great strength and joy for him!
Cordelia Fitzgerald.
I have often thought the BRF made a mistake by not including the heir-child in more events during their growing years (this goes back to Prince Charles' young days). I think that if one is an Heir, a gentle inclusion (while fully respecting their childhood, need for play and downtime, etc.) in certain events of the working royal, is an excellent idea. Say, one event a month? Even a bi-monthly? Even if the heir has to lose a day or a half-day from school, that wouldn't be too bad.
And the reason(s) I feel this way: a) most importantly it accustoms the heir to get used to the public & media coverage. b) guided by their parents, being included in the (monthly or bi-monthly) event, it will build self-confidence. c) it accustoms the media to the appearance of the heir, so it's not a thousand-watt event whenever he/she appears ("oh, it's one of George's regular monthly appearances, -eh, kinda dull, not too many clicks from these now; no need to send a big crew for the coverage.")
Of course I probably wouldn't start the "heir" on this kind of appearance until he's reached the age of reason, which is certainly roughly George's age now, ALTHOUGH I don't think Estelle of Sweden has suffered from her exposure to the media/public since she was a little mite - but she is a girl and we do tend to be more mature, quickly.
And, I do think the child has to be of an age to understand/realise there are levels of behavior that he or she has to abide. You couldn't do a semi monthly event including a really young child, or a child who hasn't had some time to become accustomed.
Otherwise you might end up with the Alexander Bernadotte type-of-behaviors-in-church ...
With all that said, I do think George, being a seemingly intelligent, receptive young child could be made to understand the value of semi-regular public appearances with his parents/a parent. AND that some attendance at these types of events, would do him
good.
