In a touching moment last week, 12-year-old Prince George joined his father at the London homelessness charity, The Passage, where he helped to prepare festive meals
Prince William is said to be “anxious” about ensuring his eldest son, Prince George,experiences a different upbringing as he gradually takes on a more active role in royal life. Last week, in what was likely a deeply meaningful charitable engagement for the Prince of Wales, 12-year-old George accompanied his father to the London homelessness charity The Passage, where they helped prepare festive meals together.
During the visit on December 16, George signed the guest book, marking the first time the young prince had carried out such a task in an official capacity.
A touching detail emerged when it was noted that directly above his signature were two entries dated December 14, 1993, belonging to his father — now a patron of the charity — and his late grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales, who had brought an 11-year-old William to the same venue more than three decades earlier.
The appearance adds to George’s growing list of royal engagements. Earlier this year, on VE Day in May, the future King attended a tea party honouring Second World War veterans, further cementing his increasing presence in public life.
Majesty Magazine editor-in-chief Ingrid Seward described George as a “very impressive young man”, while suggesting that his “anxious” father is keen to take a different approach to his upbringing.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Ingrid said: “He is a very impressive young man, but I think William is anxious to bring him up differently to how he himself was brought up after his mother died.
“He is very conscious of not wanting George to be seen as an elitist kid; he just wants him to be as ordinary as he can be. I remember [the Princess of Wales] once saying that they always discuss these appearances with George, that he is never pushed.
“William is doing what he can to get him to look at the world in a certain way, but you can see how good George was with those old soldiers — he wants to do all these things. And William is happy for him to have a taste of it, but not the full meal.”
George’s visit to The Passage coincided with the preparation of Christmas dinner for 150 people, and Mick Clarke, the charity’s chief executive, said the young prince was eager to help.
He said: “So it was really about, ‘Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in?’ And he very much was. Very much like his dad, actually — he just wanted to get stuck in and help.
“A lovely kid is how I would describe him, and he really seemed very interested in the work that we do, particularly in talking to people who have used our services.”
On a lighter note, a touch of friendly competition reportedly emerged between father and son as they worked, with William preparing sprouts while George “was helping with the Yorkshire puddings”, reports the BBC.
Mick also recalled the moment George signed the guest book, describing it as a “lovely, beautiful moment”, particularly in light of William’s comments.
He said William was “pointing out to George, ‘This is my mum’s signature. This was the first time that she brought me here.’”
