With the future king just weeks away from starting his secondary schooling, an expert says there are two important people in his life who he turns to for down-to-earth guidance
George recently turned 13, and is preparing for secondary school(Image: PSNEWZ/SIPA/Shutterstock)
Prince George is just weeks away from embarking on the next chapter when he begins at his new school of Eton College.
The future King is following in the footsteps of his father Prince William by attending the prestigious school, with the rest of his life likely to consist of a stint in the military before years of royal duty.
And while his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, will be gently guide him, there could also be two other people who could prove to be instrumental to George as he grows up. George’s godmother Zara Tindall and her husband Mike could be there to offer their grounded advice as they live their lives away from the royal spotlight, according to an expert.
Prince George is heading to Eton in a matter of weeks (Image: Getty Images)
Zara and Mike have always had a close relationship with William and Kate, as they have often been seen talking and laughing together at royal events. William and Zara, who are first cousins, are particularly close, and while Zara isn’t a working royal, she is often seen supporting William’s work for the Firm.
And while William and Zara share a special bond, that relationship has seemingly also been passed down to Prince George, who recently celebrated his 13th birthday. Royal expert Robert Jobson told the Daily Mail that Zara and Mike, who are content with their life away from the limelight, have been instrumental in keeping George grounded.
He said: “Watch Zara with George, and there is no difference in it. She teases him. He is easy with her the way children are easy with adults who want nothing from them.
“Then there is Mike, who is not a godparent and has become something better. He talks to him about losing, the one subject nobody else raises, because everybody else is invested in the boy winning.
Prince William and Zara Tindall, with her godson Prince George (Image: Getty Images)
The royal expert added: “George is growing up among adults who are either dazzled by the institution or depend on it. What he needs are grown-ups who won something on their own terms and then treat the whole business lightly. Like Mike and Zara.”
George is also just a few months older than his cousin, Zara and Mike’s eldest child Mia, with the pair being spotted together walking to church at Sandringham on Christmas Day.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that the Wales’ and the Tindall’s would have very similar home lives: fun, slightly chaotic, and most importantly, private. She said: “I think the Tindalls run a very similar household to the Waleses: allowing the children a pretty free rein, with lots of noise and laughter along the way. With their rugby-playing dad, I’m sure there’s been a lot of rough and tumble, and plenty of fun.”
She also previously told the Mirror: “Zaran and Mike, remain very close to William and Catherine and I’m sure they will both be called on to help out at events like garden parties for many years to come.”
Zara and Mike Tindall (Image: Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty Images)
“So I think we can expect to see Zara popping up every year at events like garden parties, throwing her arms around her uncle, the King, at occasions like Royal Ascot, and being part of the family celebrations at Christmas.”
The same closeness is shared with Zara’s husband Mike, as Jennie said: “I think the rest of the family regard Mike as a huge asset, and a solid character who has helped William through some tough times. He’s immensely likeable and seems like a great husband and super fun dad.”
