They may be two of the most famous children in the world – but the Prince and Princess of Wales are doing everything in their power to ensure Prince George and Princess Charlotte have as normal an upbringing as possible.
But over the past few years, Kate Middleton and Prince William seem to be helping their eldest children adjust to the idea of being in the spotlight by taking them to sporting events.
Earlier this month, Prince William took George to watch England take on Australia at the Lord’s cricket ground in London on what would have been Princess Diana’s 62nd birthday.
The nine-year-old – who was pictured happily tucking into some pizza – was the spitting image of his father in a smart blazer and check shirt.
Meanwhile, Princess Charlotte, eight, made a surprise appearance with her parents at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last August.
Pictured: Prince George, nine, was the spitting image of Prince William, 41, when they watched the Ashes last weekend
Pictured: Princess Charlotte pictured with her parents Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Commonwealth Games last August
The young royal winced, cheered and beamed as she watched competitors take part in the swimming, hockey and gymnastics.
The cheeky schoolgirl, who was on her first solo appearance without her brothers, made her parents’ laugh with her enthusiasm – at one point giving doting father William a thumbs-up.
Speaking to FEMAIL, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted how the Prince and Princess of Wales are purposefully using these types of engagements to get their children used to being in public.
The expert said: ‘We know how sporty Catherine is and also how carefully she and William guard the privacy of their children when they are growing up.
‘It is therefore significant when they appear at sporting events. Interest is enormous but appearances are naturally carefully balanced.
‘Attendance at sports matches, where there is so much partisan enthusiasm among the spectators, is one of the most relaxed ways of easing [George and Charlotte] into public life.’
However, the commentator highlighted how Kate and William still want their children to feel relaxed and soak up the atmosphere.
Last February, George playfully stuck out his tongue when he joined his parents at the Six Nations.
Pictured: Prince George celebrates a goal by Luke Shaw at the Euros final in July 2022 with his parents
The Prince and Princess of Wales (pictured) were joined by their eldest son Prince George when attending England’s Six Nations match against Wales last year
Pictured: The Princess of Wales brought her son Prince George with her to the Wimbledon men’s final last July
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been taking George and Charlotte to football matches for years
The Princess of Wales, 41, pictured with her son Prince George, nine, at the Six Nations in Twickenham
Commenting on this engagement, Richard continued: ‘Last year George showed his cheeky side at the rugby, he is still very young.
‘But when they make a face or look a bit silly, that also shows the royal family’s human side. That is important too.’
What’s more, the expert also highlighted how both the Prince and Princess of Wales are passionate about sports.
While Kate played hockey all through school and university, Prince William is also a keen rugby and polo player.
Richard added: ‘Sport is also healthy which is one of the reasons that, aided by occasional appearances with their children, the Prince and Princess of Wales champion it.’
Princess Charlotte, eight, made a surprise appearance with her parents at the Commonwealth Game s in Birmingham last August
Ooh! Princess Charlotte was wide-eyed with anticipation as she watched a closely fought swimming race
Getting into the spirit of things! Princess Charlotte rubbed her hands with glee as she watched the swimming heats at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre at the Commonwealth Games
Pictured: Prince George sat next to Prince William at the Wimbledon men’s singles final in July 2022
Speaking to FEMAIL, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted how the Prince and Princess of Wales are purposefully using these types of engagements to get their children used to being in public
Pictured: Prince George joins his parents to watch the European Championship in June 2021 at Wembley stadium
What’s more, royal expert Duncan Larcombe previously claimed that Kate was adamant that Prince George should wear a suit to matches to prepare him for royal life.
Speaking to Ok! magazine, the expert claimed that Prince William was ‘keen on the idea’ of his son wearing an England shirt to watch the Euros final in 2021.
However, the Princess of Wales allegedly said his formal attire is part of the ‘journey’ she has planned for her son.
The expert said: ‘She was showing George that being ’on duty’ requires a different approach.
‘He has to learn to don the royal armour.’
Prince William and Prince George celebrate in the stand after England scored a goal at the 2020 Euros
George cheered in jubilation as England took the early lead – but ended the night looking devastated after the team lost to Italy in penalties at the Euros final
That said, the Prince and Princess of Wales still urged their son to get into the spirt of the game.
Duncan added: ‘George was encouraged to leap up and celebrate England scoring, to roar and wave and hug his mum and dad like any normal lad.
‘And even to shed a tear when it all ended in heartbreak.’
The game ended on a 1-1 draw and went into extra time before ending in penalties. Despite two saves by Jordan Pickford, England missed three consecutive penalties and Italy were crowned the champions of Europe in front of 60,000 fans at Wembley.
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