A comment made to the 12-year-old sparked backlash online

The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to make a “family decision” that will be “tough” for Prince George in the coming months, according to a royal commentator.

The young prince is set for a pivotal year in 2026 as he is set to enter secondary school in September.

He currently attends Lambrook School along with his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. This year has seen George making more public appearances as the second-in-line to the throne steps further into his royal role.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has revealed that: “When William was 13, he began his secondary education at Eton College. I remember standing a few yards away from him as he was welcomed by his housemaster, Dr Andrew Gailey – who became an important figure in the young prince’s life.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to make key decision about Prince George’s future in 2026, according to Jennie Bond | GETTY

“Both his parents were at his side but, by then, they were officially separate. William and his brother had witnessed the painful breakup of the marriage over many years.

“So, in a way, being at boarding school became a haven for William. Things are very different for George, who has been brought up in a household full of love and harmony.

“So it might be tougher for him to suddenly find himself living away at boarding school – if that is, indeed, the decision his parents have made. But I’m sure it will have been a family decision – and not one simply imposed on the young prince.”

The schooling decision is not the only dilemma that the Prince and Princess of Wales will face in the new year, as earlier this year, William revealed that none of his children are allowed a mobile phone.

The prince revealed the news during his trip to Brazil for his Earthshot Prize, telling Luciano Huck: “When George moves on to secondary school, maybe he’ll have one with limited access.”

Bond went on to reveal: “It’s getting to the point where it is becoming a bit of a tense issue. But I think he understands why, we communicate why we don’t think it’s right.

“I imagine a big question for George will be: is this the year he’s finally allowed smartphone? We know there are some tensions between George and his parents over this thorny issue.

“My money is on him not being allowed a smartphone for a few years yet, but this may be the time for him to be allowed a brick phone – so he can at least keep in touch with his family and friends, like so many young people of his age.

Prince William revealed none of his children have phones when in Brazil earlier this year | GETTY

“However, I don’t think it’s one that will bring any major increase in his public appearances. This is a time for him to get used to his new circumstances, to knuckle down and start studying for important exams and to enjoy his school life.

“So I think his parents will continue to protect him for as long as possible from the public glare that lies ahead,” she told the Mirror.

Prince George was seen on Christmas Day during the traditional walk to St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk Estate, and a comment was directed at the young prince that caused a stir online.

John Loughrey, a 70-year-old royal enthusiast from Wandsworth widely recognised as Princess Diana’s biggest superfan, approached the young prince during the festive gathering outside St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate.

Mr Loughrey, sporting a hat adorned with Royal Family pins, addressed George directly as the young prince stood alongside his siblings, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven.

“George, I’ve got something to say to you,” the superfan began. “Granny Diana would be ever so proud of you.”

The second-in-line to the throne responded graciously, offering a smile and replying: “Thank you.”

A comment made to Prince George on Christmas Day has sparked backlash online from royal fans | TIKTOK: @ABOUT.LONDON

Despite the positive interaction, some social media users expressed discomfort with the exchange.

“I’m sorry whoever said that to him, you crossed the line. It’s not your place to tell him what his late grandmother would have felt,” one commenter wrote.

Another questioned the presumption behind the remark: “I think it’s a very weird thing to say to George. How does that woman think she knows what Diana would think?”