Prince George's 'royal best friend' revealed despite 31-year age gap

Prince George has had the perfect introduction to the busy role that lies ahead of him, thanks to his parents. Prince William and Princess Kate have ensured that their eldest son has been afforded as much privacy as possible, despite him being second in line to the throne, in a major shift from the way both King Charles and Prince William were raised.

As he celebrates his 12th birthday today, the young royal has many people to turn to who will undoubtedly help steer him on the right path. While the Wales family is an incredibly close-knit unit, one particular relationship will be foundational in shaping George into the person he becomes.

Although George - and indeed Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven - are benefitting from the type of gentle parenting that is spoken about in the Princess of Wales's early years development work, it is clear that a uniquely special relationship exists between William and his first son.

Speaking exclusively to the Express, former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond explained: "George has been brought up in a bubble of love and in the midst of a very happy family.

"He has great role models in his parents and his maternal grandparents, who have had long and stable marriages. Like his father, he has a huge and unique destiny ahead, but he has been given the best possible start in life."

Royal author Duncan Larcombe agrees as he adds: "We can see for ourselves that George is obviously in awe of his father," he says. "One little clue is when they have appeared together on some occasions, he's worn almost the same outfits and been a little mini-me of his dad.

"That's quite touching, the way that George obviously looks up to William. William is keen to keep George very much protected and looked after and is clearly very hands-on."

The private way the three Wales children are being raised marks a clear contrast with William's own childhood, says Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty Magazine.

"George aged 12 is probably less visible than his father was at the same age, though, having said that, of late we've seen him at Wimbledon, the King's Birthday Parade and the VE-Day 80th anniversary commemorations," he says.

"The Prince and Princess of Wales will continue to be selective about the high-profile events their children attend, but with George as second in line to the throne, there is also a need to familiarise him with aspects of his official life to come. His grandfather, the King, will no doubt be watching that process from a distance with great interest and providing support and encouragement whenever needed."