Five subtle ways Prince George is breaking away from traditional royal protocol

The Royal Family is bound by countless rules and customs, but one of its youngest members is subtly breaking away from tradition.

Despite being just 11-years-old, Prince George has already shown an eagerness to break the mould. The future King is starting to forge his own path, straying from some of the more conventional elements of Royal life.

Whether it's his schooling or his pastimes, the young heir is already leaving his own unique mark on the monarchy - even though his ascension to the throne is still a long way off, HELLO! reports. Here we look at the key ways George's upbringing has differed far from that of his dad, Prince William, and grandfather, Prince Charles.

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School life

The Prince and Princess of Wales want to make sure their three children George, 11, Charlotte, 9, and Louis, 6, have as much of a normal life as possible, despite being Royals – and despite George being just second in line to the throne.

Unlike previous generations – who attended exclusive schools such as Eton or Gordonstoun, and were also privately tutored – George attends the co-educational and independent Lambrook School, where he has managed to dodge the public eye, unless attending Royal events and ceremonies open to the public.

Less public pressure

Unlike his dad William and uncle Prince Harry, George has enjoyed a more private upbringing, mostly shying away from various public outings. The Prince and Princess of Wales release an official portrait of the youngster on his birthday every year in a bid to ease media pressure.

Breaking royal dress code

During a meeting with the Obamas in 2016, Prince George ditched the formal royal dress code and instead greeted the US heads of state in his dressing gown as he was joined by parents Kate and William. After the meeting, Barack Obama joked: "It's not just Congress. Even some foreign leaders they have been looking ahead, anticipating my departure. Last week Prince George showed up to our meeting in his bathrobe. That was a slap in the face. A clear breach of protocol."

Personal choices in public outings

While Prince George has been spotted at official events like the Platinum Jubilee and Trooping the Colour with his parents, he's also given Royal enthusiasts a glimpse into his personal hobbies. He's made appearances at Wimbledon, the Rugby World Cup, and even a Taylor Swift concert in London.

The sporty prince, following in his parents' footsteps, has also been seen at major football matches, including the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 tournaments.

Modern parenting

The Prince and Princess of Wales have previously opened up about taking a more hands-on approach to parenting than that traditionally associated with the monarchy - while also preparing their three children for their future responsibilities as working royals. But according to royal author Robert Hardman, Prince George is unlikely to carry out these duties until he's much older and has completed his education.

In his latest book, King Charles III: The Inside Story, Hardman says: "Whereas Charles III had his future mapped out without consultation, Prince William had a significant degree of autonomy in his choice of university education, his engagement with the armed forces and his introduction to regular royal duties. He is determined that Prince George should have a similar if not greater involvement in the way he develops his own royal role.

"There is no expectation that any royal duties are going to kick in until George is well into his twenties,' says a Kensington Palace veteran. 'Before he was even made a page at the Coronation, William and Catherine wanted to ask him if he felt comfortable about it because he was clearly the youngest. It turned out he was keen."