The Prince of Wales's secret trip to Barcelona with his eldest son was a deliberate step in preparing Prince George for royal life, according to the Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers.
Prince William and George travelled to Spain earlier this week to watch Aston Villa play Barcelona, sitting side-by-side in the stadium's VIP box on Tuesday night alongside a crowd of 80,000 football fans. The pair looked heartbroken over Barcelona's 3-0 victory over Villa.
A Gentle Introduction to Public Life
Speaking on this week's episode of Pod Save the King, Russell explained that now George is at secondary school and entering his teen years, royal fans could expect to see more of him on more lowkey outings.
Russell said: "Is this sort of the tentative steps of George coming into public life? It seems as though William is very keen to sort of introduce him to moments like this. Of course, they were at Wimbledon as well with Catherine in the summer. Are we seeing something different with George and William's relationship, do you think?"
The Mirror's deputy royal editor Jennifer Newton added that the appearance in Spain was another 'gentle' introduction into public life for the young royal, but said the outing was no doubt orchestrated to not draw too much attention on the teenager.
George's Awareness of His Royal Path
Jennifer explained: "I think we're seeing a lot more of them in public, because they know when they go to that match, that they're going to be in Barcelona at the Camp Nou, like you say. They know that the cameras are going to be on them."
"And it is, I suppose, a gentle way of introducing him to public life without it being a very high-pressure environment, knowing that there's obviously going to be a big crowd, because it's a big stadium, but in terms of people coming up to him, shaking his hand, and that sort of thing."
Russell added that George, while only having started his secondary education at Eton in September, is 'very aware' of his royal path, and could be seen alongside his siblings more in the coming years.
A Sweet Moment Captured
"I'm told he's a super bright boy, very aware of his future and sort of his place in it already," Russell said. "I think it's really interesting that he's choosing these moments to be introduced to public life, and no doubt, we will see him and Charlotte introduced more and more, maybe at these set-piece events in the future."
Despite the game quickly turning in favour of Barcelona, William and George still seemed to enjoy themselves at the international match, with the pair even sharing a sweet moment. In one photo, a tired looking George can be seen resting his head on his father's shoulder, sending royal fans into a frenzy online.
One fan wrote on X: "This is major!!! A 13-year-old son totally loving and feeling safe in the embrace of his father … that's not very common, I assure you. This is beautiful to see."
Another added: "Aww, Prince George might be a teenager now, but he still leans on Dad. So sweet!!" While another fan wrote: "This pic speaks volumes about father and son. Love, comfort, safety and the warmth of a father embracing his son." Someone else added: "You're never too old for a cuddle from your parents…"
George's appearance at the football game is the first time he has been seen in public since starting his secondary schooling at Eton in September, where he is currently believed to be on his half-term break.
