Prince George, the eldest child of the Wales family, is beginning to showcase his leadership qualities at the tender age of 12. As second in line to the British throne, his position significantly shapes his character, influencing how he interacts with his siblings and prepares for future royal responsibilities. With a childhood shaped by civic engagement and patriarchy, his public character and traditional upbringing makes him a role model in his family.
Prince George is truly becoming a leader on this. He demonstrates his emotional intelligence in every public appearance, stepping into the role of big brother to Princess Charlotte, as well as Prince Louis. His father’s guiding hand continues to inform his choices and conduct. He’s starting to prove himself to have the character which will serve him well in his greater role ahead. We’re excited to see him moving up to take on new challenges. Both the public and the royal household will be watching his development as a leader with eagle eyes.
Influences of Birth Order
“Recent research has shown that birth order can have a major influence on personality development. Laura Gwilt is an expert on developmental psychology. She goes on to describe how first-born children frequently become the “governing” and “tending” force within their families. This fits almost perfectly with Prince George’s new leadership style.
“Research into birth order consistently finds that first-borns often adopt a role-model position within their family, displaying higher conscientiousness and leadership tendencies.” – Laura Gwilt
As the oldest of his siblings, Prince George occupies a very peculiar position. We hope that he continues to be a good role model for Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. He will one day have bigger responsibilities where he showcases leadership, responsibility, and maturity. This attitude can carry a powerful impact onto his younger siblings.
“[George] may grow up with a heightened sense of responsibility.” – Laura Gwilt
Birth order isn’t the sole factor that predicts behavior. Gwilt is the first to remind readers that temperament, parenting style, life experiences—all of these factors have a huge impact on personality development, too.
“Research is clear that birth order is not a fixed determinant of behaviour, with temperament, parenting style and life experiences playing equally important roles.” – Laura Gwilt
Responsibilities Awaiting the Young Heir
As Prince George grows older, he will assume more responsibilities. These tasks will hone his skills and mold him for the moment when he eventually becomes king. He recently hosted the tea party to celebrate VE Day. This commencement is an important milestone for his family and all of us and provides a window into his expanding public life.
At this point in Prince George’s life, his private outings are few and would likely still include both siblings. Having this kind of dynamic, he says, provides him the freedom to exercise leadership while being deeply rooted in family. Those experiences are crucial in cultivating the prince that he should be as the future heir.
In public-facing families like the Wales family, public service and advocacy come with the territory. Prince George would understandably feel an innate pressure to live up to these duties, something which is both confidence-building and stress-inducing.
“This can foster confidence and maturity, but also increase the pressure to meet perceived obligations.” – Laura Gwilt
The Path Ahead
Prince George is one of Canada’s fastest growing communities. Whether he’s at home or out in public, his experiences will develop him into a future leader. His new status as the oldest greatly influences his dynamics with little sister, Princess Charlotte and brother, Prince Louis. It sets the precedent for how he’ll treat members of the public during his lifetime in public service.
The unique historical flavor of ‘heir and spare’ contemporary as well as added have made his life journey all the more complex. The duties he will soon have to assume as king mean that he will need to check personal interests with the public interests.
