Royal Question: Will Prince George Defy Tradition and Rewrite the Legacy of Prince William and Prince Harry.HL

Tradition has long dictated that members of the British royal family, particularly those in line to the throne, take on military duties. Monarchs, as Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces, are expected to serve in some capacity, and this legacy has been upheld by figures like King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry, who served 10 years in the British Army, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan. However, the future of this tradition with the next generation is now under scrutiny. Prince George, the heir to the throne after his father and grandfather, may not follow in the footsteps of his predecessors when it comes to military service.

Prince William and Prince George on May 5, 2025.

Grant Harrold, a former royal butler, suggests that while it’s likely George will attend university, much like his parents, there are uncertainties about whether he will join the Armed Forces. “It is possible that he could take on the position of being head of the Armed Forces and have little or no experience within their armed forces and learn about it on the job,” Harrold said. “But it would be very strange if he stopped the tradition in the military.”

Prince William and Kate Middleton, who have demonstrated a willingness to forge their own path, are preparing for a significant shift in their family life. The couple plans to move into Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom home, as early as next month. The move is particularly noteworthy as they plan to live there even after William ascends to the throne. Harrold believes that George, now 12, will follow in his parents’ footsteps and attend university, but the question of whether he will join the military still looms large. The future king, after all, will need to balance tradition with modern demands.

Prince George on December 25, 2024.

Historically, royals have been involved in the military, whether by fighting in battles or serving in some capacity. Harrold emphasizes that if this tradition is broken, it could represent a major shift in royal history. “We’ve always had royals involved in the military or some sort, even if it’s for a short period of time. So it should still continue,” he notes, highlighting the important role the military has played in the monarchy’s identity.

As for George’s younger siblings, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, they may represent a new era for the royal family. Harrold suggests that while the royal family’s workload may evolve, these younger children could play a significant role in modernizing the monarchy. “There will be a high demand on the children, because their workload will be increased,” he says. “But the royal family may not be carrying out quite the same responsibilities by the time they are old enough.”

Prince George at Wimbledon on July 13, 2025.

Getty

Both Charlotte and Louis may find themselves in roles that are quite different from those of their predecessors. Harrold believes they will have “more freedom and a lot more choice” than previous generations of royals. This could potentially lead to a more diverse set of responsibilities, including celebrity-style endorsements or involvement in organizations. Harrold even speculates that they may step into roles akin to influencers, as the monarchy increasingly adapts to the modern world. “There may be brand endorsements or more support for organizations, with them being seen as celebrities or even taking on that influencer role,” he says.

Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton, and Princess Charlotte on May 5, 2025.

This evolution in royal roles marks a departure from the traditional, often ceremonial duties royals have undertaken in the past. While public appearances, ribbon-cutting events, and high-profile visits may still be a part of their responsibilities, the emphasis on more modern forms of engagement seems inevitable. Harrold suggests that Charlotte and Louis’ roles will be “quite full-on for them” in this unpredictable new era, even as their tasks become more flexible and contemporary in nature.

Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The monarchy’s future, then, may no longer be defined by the rigid expectations of past generations. Instead, the Wales family—led by William and Kate—may encourage a new model for royal engagement. As Harrold puts it, “I think the days of the royals having to be royals and do what other royals do will be gone.” He further emphasizes the point, suggesting that if Charlotte were to choose a completely different career path, such as architecture, her parents would likely be supportive. This openness to individuality signals that the royal family’s role in society may soon evolve into something less predictable, more personalized, and more attuned to the changing times.

Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at King Charles’s coronation

As the royal family navigates these changes, their ability to adapt and remain relevant in an increasingly modern world will undoubtedly shape their legacy for future generations. While George’s path remains uncertain, it’s clear that the monarchy is on the cusp of a transformation—one that will not only define the next generation of royals but also set the stage for how the family continues to engage with the public in the years to come.