Stepping into royal shoes | Daily Mail Online

Being second in line to the British throne brings a myriad of responsibilities – and in the King’s coronation, Prince George took on his most important role yet.

George was one of four pages of honor for his grandfather, a ceremonial position that required the young boys to assist King Charles, largely by wearing his heavy robes.

It was a long day, but nine-year-old George remained professional throughout, appearing at the king’s side for the religious ceremony, the Royal Salute, and on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

There were even a poignant few moments where Charles whispered to his grandson, who will one day attend his father Prince William’s – and his – coronation.

His brother Prince Louis, five, and sister Princess Charlotte, eight, weren’t all that involved in the momentous royal occasion, sitting in the pews at Westminster Abbey with their mother and father.

Meanwhile, George was close to the King when he was crowned – joined by his fellow Pages of Honor: Nicholas Barclay and Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, both 13, and Ralph Tollemache, 12.

Page of honor is a ceremonial position within the royal household that is only required on state occasions, such as Saturdays, when the four boys were tasked with wearing the king’s robes.

Another four boys – the Queen’s grandsons and second cousin – cared for Camilla.

The king’s pages appeared in a traditional dress style first seen at the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902: scarlet tunics decorated with gold lace trim and blue velvet cuffs.

These particular outfits were designed by Ede and Ravenscroft during the late Queen’s reign.

Prince George began his duties at Westminster Abbey early on Saturday, engaging in deep conversation with his grandfather in the moments before they entered the church.

He and his fellow Pages of Honor then carried the king’s robes through the abbey, staying close to him to be on hand when Charles needed to move his position.

George was the epitome of professionalism during the coronation ceremony, which kept him going for over two hours. But his duties didn’t end when the king left Westminster Abbey.

For the rest of Saturday, wherever King Charles went, his grandson followed close behind.

He, Nicholas, Oliver and Ralph were present when the king received a royal salute from the British army and later helped Charles navigate the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

It was a rather brutal day, with one of the young lads telling Sky News that they would probably ‘all collapse’ when their official duties finally came to an end.

But Prince George made it clear that, at just nine years old, he’s more than capable of taking on a role of significance – and making the royal family proud.

His mother, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, revealed that her eldest son was looking forward to taking part in the ceremony leading up to the coronation.

Kate said Prince George was “thrilled” about the event and had taken part in rehearsals as a page of honor at the Westminster Abbey service.

When asked if he was up for it, she replied, “He is. After doing a few rehearsals, I think everyone is a bit more relaxed.’

While nine-year-old Prince George has had previous roles in notable royal events, this is by far the biggest responsibility he’s been given to date.

Last year, George was part of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral procession along with his younger sister Princess Charlotte. All eyes were on George and Charlotte, who had recently become second and third in line to the throne.

The siblings were the youngest mourners to attend Her Majesty’s funeral and followed the coffin behind Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

George was also seen at the Platinum Jubilee last June, riding in a carriage with his younger siblings, Charlotte and Louis.

The Cambridge trio were pictured waving to onlookers as they eased more and more into their regal roles.

George was also a pageboy at Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding, when he trailed bride-to-be Meghan as she walked down the aisle to marry his uncle.

He stood outside the steps of St George’s Chapel as Charlotte – who was a bridesmaid – waved to the onlookers.

Since this event, it is clear that his confidence has grown as it was reported that George, who was four at the time, hid behind his father’s legs when they were outside.

This is in stark contrast to the Prince George we saw yesterday – full of pride, confidence and probably on his way to becoming a great king.