Prince George grew to be a ‘cracking lad’ ahead of 10th birthday: source

It takes a village — err, a royal court — to raise an heir.

Prince George, the oldest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, will be turning double digits on July 22 and his future as the heir to the British throne is looking bright.

Sources have dished to People ahead of his 10th birthday what the preteen is actually like behind the scenes of the public eye.

“He’s a cracking lad,” a family friend gushed to the publication.

“I think George knows the drill by now. You can see he’s really grown into it and looks more relaxed than ever,” children’s clothing designer Amaia Arrieta chimed in.

Arrieta — who has created fashions for George and his younger siblings, Prince Louis, 5, and Princess Charlotte, 8, — claimed that the tween is “really sporty.”

She added: “It’s something that’s been encouraged from an early age.”

Despite being born into one of the most powerful families in the world — and in history — William and Middleton, both 41, are trying to make sure he grows up in a regular environment.

However, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are well aware they are the parents of a forthcoming sovereign.

“It’s a massive balancing act,” a royal source explained. “William and Kate are doing the right thing.”

The insider went on: “[They are] protecting him so he can have as normal a childhood as possible, but he’s also dipping into duties as a future monarch.”

“He’s getting firsthand experience of what it’s like to be a royal and a monarch and firsthand experience of being a normal boy,” they continued.

George has been in the spotlight more often in recent times, cementing himself as a member of the Firm.

He even took on a big role at his grandfather King Charles’ coronation this past May, being one of his Pages of Honor during the crowning ceremony.

George wielded a ceremonial sword at the event, which represented his position as protector of the crown, as well as the second-in-line to the throne behind William.

He stood by Charles’ side as he was enthroned and sported a sleek red coat, white breeches and stockings for the procession.

Just a few days after the sacred event, George, his parents and his siblings were involved in an initiative called “The Big Help Out.” 

Louis, Charlotte and George took part in a variety of activities like excavating, archery, sanding, painting and making s’mores with a local brownie scout troop.

He also walked behind the late Queen Elizabeth II’s casket at her funeral in September 2022 alongside Charlotte.

Late last month, George was spotted with William and Middleton visiting his father’s alma mater, Eton College.

William attended Eton in 1995 when he was 13 and graduated five years later. The institution costs about $58,000 a year and is for boys 13 to 18.

In order for George to be eligible for a 2026 entry at Eton, children should have been registered by June 2023.

Middleton and William reportedly told George that he would be king one day on his seventh birthday, according to royal biographer Robert Lacey’s 2021 book “Battle of Brothers.”

Palace insiders told the Daily Mail recently that the Prince and Princess of Wales are currently “making George aware” of his later duties in “the best way they can” in an attempt to make sure it’s not “too burdensome.”