It appears Prince William has already started preparing Prince George for his eventual destiny as king — but he is reportedly determined to make sure his eldest son doesn’t grow up fearing the role.

Shaping Destiny, Not Duty

Prince George, now 12, will one day inherit the throne. Although William himself has yet to step up as monarch, royal experts believe it is never too early to begin guiding his son.

Royal historian Robert Lacey told PEOPLE that William’s approach is focused on framing George’s future in a positive way. “I imagine that when William talks to George about things like this, he uses words like ‘destiny’ rather than ‘duty’,” Lacey explained. “‘Duty’ has a sense of being trapped. But ‘destiny’ has a sense of choice.”

According to insiders, William and Catherine want George to grow up with a sense of freedom before being weighed down with titles. A palace source even described the young royal as “the most normal 12-year-old future monarch we have ever had.”

A “Slow Game” of Royal Training

For now, the focus remains on giving George as normal a childhood as possible. The young prince, alongside Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, lives under constant public attention, but William and Kate are reportedly determined to turn that spotlight into something positive.

Royal biographer Robert Hardman emphasized William’s careful balancing act: “William takes his role as father of the future king as seriously as he takes his role as future king. That’s the key. His overarching priority is making sure they enjoy it rather than fear it.”

Much of the couple’s parenting style is said to reflect Kate’s own family background, which has strongly influenced the way they are raising their children. Insiders suggest William is “very happy” to take cues from the Middleton family’s grounded approach.

As George gradually appears at more royal engagements, courtiers note that his training is being handled deliberately and cautiously. “It’s a slow game,” one insider explained, stressing that William and Kate intend to do everything “on their terms” — ensuring their son grows into his role naturally, rather than being thrown in too quickly.