The making of Prince Georgeous
As Prince George turns eight, how Catherine and William are shaping the mini-monarch
He was man of the match at last weekend’s Euro final at Wembley – and he’s only just turning eight. Prince George, who celebrates his birthday on Thursday, charmed the world as he screamed with joy and hugged his parents in the stadium at the England v Italy football final. Kerry took a look at how William and Catherine are shaping Gorgeous George, for The Sunday Telegraph. Here is a sample:
George reportedly wanted to wear an England jersey, but Mum wouldn’t let him, so instead, fronted up for the big occasion like a mini-monarch, in suit, shirt and tie – just like his dad. Having attended the previous England v Germany match, football fans were hoping the nation’s “lucky mascot” would make it to the final and were delighted when he did, standing between his parents, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Their natural love and affection is clear, say parenting experts, who saw the close bond between the football-mad dad and son. “They are a very loving and affectionate family, it was really lovely to see,” says parenting consultant Kirsty Ketley. “Affection plays a huge part in helping children develop high self-esteem.”
It’s a big difference from the “cycle of genetic pain and suffering” Prince Harry said he wanted to break, on a mental health podcast. While Harry is keen to bring Archie and Lilibet up differently, experts say so are William and Catherine. “The ways in which both William and Catherine have been photographed crouching down and engaging with their children, demonstrates a closeness and respect that goes deeper than the formerly prevalent authoritarian approaches,” says parenting coach Laura Linklater, who specialises in trauma cycle-breaking. “In stark contrast to royal images of older generations, the overarching feeling when viewing the family together is one of love, joy and trust.”
Early education is something Catherine is passionate about. Last month she launched her own Centre for Early Childhood, calling it a “golden opportunity to create a happier, more mentally healthy, more nurturing society.”
The Wembley outings are indicative of George’s parents’ plan to introduce him slowly to public life. According to royal biographer Robert Lacey, in his book Battle of Brothers, William and Catherine told George about his future “some time around his seventh birthday”, so George will be aware his destiny is not that of an ordinary child.
How his parents navigate that is crucial, says Kirsty. “George is the future king and has to begin learning what that entails. At eight-years-old, children are starting to really understand who they are and where they come from,” she says. “Catherine and William have a good balance of what should be kept private and what shouldn’t. It is important they try to keep that balance going forward.”
It’s clear they both have equal input. According to Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, it was Kate who vetoed George’s hope to wear an England shirt. “I had an afternoon tea with the duchess and it was very much a discussion whether George will be allowed to wear the jersey tonight at Wembley or not,” the tennis champ let slip on BBC radio. “William was for it, Kate not so keen.” In the end, it was game, set and match for Kate, who plumped for something a lot more formal.
Her outfit decision, says Kirsty, would have been for George to differentiate what is work and what isn’t. “I think perhaps Catherine feels that when out in public at this sort of event, they should be more formal, to help George see the difference between work and play,” she says.
Meghan’s Pearl of an idea
News of Meghan’s newest Netflix project was announced this week and we can’t wait to see it. The Duchess of Sussex has teamed up with David Furnish, Elton John’s husband and producer of Rocketman and Gnomeo and Juliet. They are making Pearl, an animated series about the adventures of a 12-year-old girl who is inspired by influential women from history.
“Like many girls her age, our heroine Pearl is on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to overcome life’s daily challenges,” Meghan said in a statement, explaining the series will celebrate extraordinary women throughout history. “David Furnish and I have been eager to bring this special series to light, and I am delighted we are able to announce it today.”
It’s the second project Archewell Productions is making with the streaming giant, alongside Heart of Invictus.
The day we all had Fergie frenzy
Once upon a time Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was the star of the (second) biggest 1980s royal love story when she won the heart of the pin-up prince of the royal family - Andrew. This week would have seen the couple celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary, if his extended naval helicopter pilot duties and her toe-sucking Texan boyfriend had not torn the marriage apart in 1992, followed by divorce in 1996. But before heartbreak hit, there was one almighty lavish wedding in Westminster Abbey on July 23, 1986. Maria reviews the pomp and ceremony from that joyful day.
1. The wedding dress: While slightly smaller than Diana’s gown five years previously, Sarah’s dress still screamed 80s OTT in all its splendour. The Lindka Cierach ivory-silk creation featured a 17-foot train and a 20-foot long veil. Embroidery on the gown alluded to her new family crest, with images of bumblebees, anchors, and roses. The train had the letters ‘A’ and ‘S’ sewn into the fabric in silver beads.
2. Cheeky William: A four-year-old Prince William was a page boy in the cutest sailor suit. He pulled funny faces at the bridesmaids, poked his tongue out, turned his little straw hat into a pair of binoculars and rolled up his Order of Service to make a trumpet. Basically star of the show.
3. The royal ratings: A television audience of 500 million tuned in on the big day and 100,000 crowded down The Mall to get a glimpse of the balcony kiss. (FYI: Charles and Diana scored 750 million viewers).
4. On the guest list: Elton John and his then wife Renate, Sir Michael Caine, Nancy Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.
Andrew and Sarah have remained resolutely close and even share the same address, Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. The Duchess once touched on the much-talked about question: will they ever remarry? “So many people have asked me that, but we’re so happy with the way we are right now,” Sarah said back in 2018.
With her new book, Her Heart for a Compass, due to be published by Mills & Boon on August 3, Sarah deserves nothing less than her own happy ending. Watch this space for Kerry’s interview with the duchess coming very soon.
Book Princess Beatrice’s in-law’s Airbnb
When Sarah and Andrew’s eldest daughter said ‘I do’ to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi a year ago, the Queen’s fifth eldest grandchild also became part of one of Italy’s oldest aristocratic families, and a not-too-shabby property portfolio. In fact, hubby Edoardo stands to inherit his family’s grand residence, Villa Mapelli Mozzi, a palace regarded as one of the country’s finest (dating from the 13th century) and about an hour’s drive from Lake Como.
Sounds like the mum-to-be has an impressive go-to holiday home and her pick of playrooms when the baby arrives this autumn. But we’re not jealous (much) because thanks to Edoardo’s cousin, you can book a luxurious break in its sister villa some 20 miles away in a town called Casatenovo and it’s fancy pants too. Take a look at it here.
Rather confusingly it’s also called Villa Mapelli Mozzi and hosts up to 34 guests, boasts 15 bedrooms, two libraries and is set in acres of parkland. Sounds dreamy, right. Well, we hope you’re patient as next availability is September, (£853 per night) on Airbnb, book it here. Still gives us all plenty of time to save up for a right royal holiday.
Charles puts his foot in it
While enjoying an afternoon with Camilla and thousands of people at the Great Yorkshire Show, Prince Charles accidentally stepped in cowpat at the agricultural event in Harrogate. Don’t worry Charles, it’s meant to be lucky.