This week, a batch of stunning new images of Prince George appeared to cause quite the uproar.
The 11-year-old joined parents Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as siblings Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, at the VE Day Parade on Monday (5 May), to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Germany’s surrender during WWII.
The family of five sat together on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where a number of interactions between the Waleses became viral online. One scene in particular saw little Prince Louis whining to his father, William, 42, about the lack of entertainment at the event.
Louis likewise imitated big brother George by sweeping his hair out of his face in a very overdone manner.
During another part of the day, George went with William to meet a group of British war veterans and survivors, who recounted their memories with the father-son duo.
Several photographs from the royal outing have gone viral online, but they have also split viewers, with many arguing that George is too young for such intense public interactions.
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!”
Others, however, defending the tradition that sees the future king engaging with UK citizens at a young age.
One added: “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.
