Prince George is weeks away from beginning life at Eton College, the same school his father, the Prince of Wales, attended. As the young royal takes the next step into secondary education, an expert suggests two members of the wider family will be important in helping him stay down to earth.
Zara and Mike Tindall's role in Prince George's life
The future king recently celebrated his 13th birthday. His godmother, Zara Tindall, and her husband, Mike, are said to offer grounding advice as they live away from the royal spotlight. The Tindalls have long been close to William and Catherine, often seen chatting and laughing with them at royal engagements.
William and Zara are first cousins, and their bond appears to have extended to the next generation. Royal expert Robert Jobson told the Daily Mail that Zara and Mike have been instrumental in keeping George grounded.
'Watch Zara with George'
Jobson explained the easy relationship George has with his godmother: "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."
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."
Similar households, private and fun
George is only a few months older than his cousin Mia, the Tindalls' eldest child, and the pair were seen walking to church together at Sandringham on Christmas Day.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes the Wales and Tindall households share much in common. 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. 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."
Bond also said of Mike: "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."
