The 11-year-old future king was seen meeting with WWII veterans with his father, Prince William, yesterday (5 May)
A collection of brand new photographs of Prince George have seemingly sparked quite the controversy this week.
The 11-year-old appeared in public alongside parents Prince William and Kate Middleton, and siblings Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, at the VE Day Parade on Monday (5 May), to celebrate 80 years since Germany surrendered during WWII.
The family-of-five were seated together on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where a number of interactions between the Wales’ later went viral online. One moment in particular saw young Prince Louis complaining to dad William, 42, about the lack of entertainment during the celebration.
Louis also mimicked big brother George by swooping his hair out of his face in a hilariously exaggerated fashion.
During another point of the day, George ventured off with William to meet a number of British war veterans and survivors, who shared their stories with the father-son duo.
The Prince met with a number of WWII survivors (Jordan Pettitt – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Several photos from the royal outing have since gone viral online, but have inadvertently divided viewers – many of whom argue that George is too young for such intense engagements with the public.
Taking to the discussion forum Reddit, one saddened spectator noted of George and his siblings: “Those poor kids. I wish he could have a childhood to himself.”
Another took aim at William and Kate.
“The Wales’ are so lazy they are going to have all of the kids as full working members in their teens,” they hit out.
A third agreed: “His parents are putting him to work instead of leaving him a child and getting off their lazy asses to work.”
A fourth continued of the Wales children: “What happened to keeping them out of the public eye and giving them a normal upbringing?”
“Poor kid,” another wrote. “Still remember during the football they had him in a suit and tie. Sure he would’ve been more comfortable in a football shirt and shorts!”
The Wales’ celebrated the VE Day parade (Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Others, however, defending the tradition that sees the future king engaging with UK citizens at a young age.
One explained: “Given his future role as both POW and King is going to heavily focus on this, a few engagements on the weekend where he goes and sits with some oldies and chats and probably learns something is actually super valuable.”
Another went on to provide more detail, adding: “They are not making George work, he is preparing for his future role as king. Sadly, it’s a life in training preparing to be the king, it’s been William’s whole life.
“I think William does a much better job than Charles has at balancing preparing for to be king and giving his children a life away from the public as much as possible. God forbid that William and Kate prioritize this time with their children whilst they can.
Some have defended George’s royal duties (Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“Once William is king, it will be much more difficult for him to be as present and give his children privacy.”
Another Reddit user agreed, claiming: “It was wonderful to watch the young royals today. Prince George really engaged with the veterans, such an intelligent young man.”
“George seemed to have a grown-up assignment today–pay attention, engage, show respect,” added another. “He did a great job!”
