Here’s how Prince William and Princess Kate are changing the royal game. With an eye toward the future, they’ve gone a more modern route and chosen seven godparents for their eldest child, Prince George. This surprising pick strays from tradition, as godparents have historically only been chosen from royal family members. The couple’s decision is an unprecedented step away from the structure of the royal family. By doing so, they are intentionally deciding to put personal connection above the letter of tradition.
Of the godparents selected, only one—Zara Tindall—is a royal, acting as Prince William’s cousin. We view the list as inclusive of super close friends and family. It’s a testament to the couple’s deep commitment to populating their children’s worlds with adults who have a personal stake in their future. That same contemporary approach has grown beyond their biological daughter to include her children. Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have been included in these other, comparable decisions.
A Break from Tradition
Historically, royal children were only allowed godparents from within the royal family. Prince William and Princess Kate’s choice for Prince George represents a huge break from this tradition. The pair decided to keep it interesting with a lively mix of people, choosing everyone from fellow friends from their university days to close family friends.
Zara Tindall is still the only royal to be named as a godparent to all three of their children. Her addition to the cast emphasizes the value of family connections. This is an important part of the new godparenting framework pioneered by the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The other six godparents are senior members of the British aristocracy, personal friends and family. This varied group further underscores the pair’s commitment to updating royal tradition.
“The list of godparents, seven in all, represented something of a break with tradition.” – Val Lowe
Moreover, the choice of godparents for every child is a new take on an old royal duty. Prince William and Princess Kate continue to reshape what it means to be a royal family. Viewed as little more than an obligation, they nevertheless place an unusual emphasis on close friends and trusted confidants.
Close Relationships at the Core
Included in Prince George’s godparents are a number of high-profile figures that have kept strong connections with Prince William and Princess Kate. Thomas van Straubenzee and James Meade, closely connected to him by childhood friendship, were part of this intimate circle. Their decade-old friendships dance around the implication that this is a connection that predates royal responsibilities.
The next important decision was Oliver Baker, another mutual friend from St Andrew’s University. This wonderful pick further supports our belief that personal relationships are key to creating a new, more relevant monarchy. As such, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who was private secretary to the couple, was likewise appointed to the role of godparent.
“It is an absolute article of faith with just about every private secretary that I spoke to for this book that the relationship between adviser and principal is surely professional. But Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton was their friend. He had been there at the very beginning.” – Val Lowe
Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, is central to this new royal paradigm. His presence too highlights the mixing of old-world aristocracy with personal friendship.
Continuing the Trend
Prince William and Princess Kate have taken this new, more open-bred approach with every one of their children. For Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, friends and family were picked to be their godparents. They chose not to adhere to long-standing royal protocol in this private matter. Given this new trend, it would signify their deep commitment to creating a community where love and friendship are the foundation.
Laura Fellowes, Sophie Carter, and Adam Middleton were named as godparents to their respective children. This rulemaking reflects an inclination to prioritize interpersonal relationships over established norms. While many royal watchers in Canada and beyond have celebrated this push towards modernity, the reaction has been mixed.
“Our kids play with their kids in this competition we have.” – Mike Tindall
Prince William and Princess Kate are well on their way to creating their own story and a new royalty narrative. They are focused on relationships based on friendship and trust rather than blood ties only.
