Prince George may not follow King Charles, Prince William’s footsteps in centuries-old tradition
Prince George may be breaking a long-standing royal tradition of military service before ascending the throne, opting instead for a different path in his early years. A surprising source—a café owner in Norfolk—revealed that the young prince expressed an interest in becoming a chef during a recent family outing. According to Desmond McCarthy, owner of Wet Haal Café, Prince George visited the restaurant with his mother, Kate Middleton, and shared his excitement about the café’s wood-fired pizza oven. George reportedly declared, “That’s what I want to do when I grow up,” sparking curiosity about the future king’s career aspirations.
This candid remark gives insight into George’s personal interests and offers a glimpse into his life beyond the expectations of royal duty. While his future as king is assured, his interest in cooking highlights his more relatable side as a young boy exploring various passions. The conversation also coincides with reports suggesting that George may not follow in the military footsteps of his father, Prince William, or grandfather, King Charles III, marking a potential departure from centuries of royal tradition.
For generations, military service has been seen as essential preparation for future monarchs. King Charles served in both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, while Prince William was an RAF pilot and served in the British Army. Skipping this step would be a significant shift, signaling how the royal family is evolving in response to modern times. Prince George’s potential exemption from military service could reflect a more flexible approach to royal upbringing, where personal interests are valued alongside royal responsibilities.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have emphasized the importance of giving their children a grounded upbringing, allowing them to pursue normal childhood experiences despite their royal status. George’s moment at the café, dreaming of a future in the kitchen, reflects the couple’s desire for their children to have as much normalcy as possible while preparing for their eventual roles.
Although George will one day take on the monumental responsibility of kingship, his lighthearted interest in becoming a chef speaks to a broader trend of the royal family allowing younger members to explore personal passions and interests. Whether or not George ultimately skips military service or fulfills his culinary ambitions, his curiosity and imagination will likely play an important role in shaping him both as a person and a future monarch.
The possibility of George bypassing military service reflects the royal family’s readiness to adapt long-standing practices to meet the changing demands of a modern monarchy. As the future king grows, his journey will likely balance personal aspirations with the duties that await him, whether that leads him to a kitchen or to the throne.
