Prince George's starring Coronation role is a "surprise" but will stop any regret from the Prince and Princess of Wales, a royal expert has claimed.
It was revealed earlier this week that the nine-year-old future King had been handed a central role in the historic event of the crowning of his grandfather King Charles.
He will help to carry his robes as he enters and leaves Westminster Abbey alongside three other boys, who are several years older than him.
It is believed that his parents Prince William and Kate were mindful not to put their eldest son under too much scrutiny on the big day. with the eyes of the world watching.
But according to royal expert and the editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine Ingrid Seward, George and his parents agreed they would "regret it" if he turned down the role.
She told the Mirror: "Like his father at the same age, Prince George is shy in public. You can see from the way he holds his head and obviously doesn't enjoy the attention that his young royal role brings to him.
"I was surprised therefore when it was announced that he had been chosen to be the youngest of four of his grandfather's pages at the Coronation in May.
"Along with three other boys, all of whom are over two years older and a little more sophisticated than George, he is holding the King's robes on Coronation Day.
"It is not a difficult task, but it means George will be centre stage with the eyes of the world on him for the length of the procession along the nave of the abbey.
"He will also be dressed in a flamboyant outfit that is probably itchy, tight and uncomfortable and might feel just a bit self-conscious in the frills and flounces of the pages uniform. His friends will probably tease him about it too.
"Both William and Catherine have thought carefully about exposing George to this. But after much discussion with him, they all agreed he would regret it if he didn't do it."
But despite any gentle ribbing from pals George might face in the aftermath of the Coronation, Ingrid believes as he grows older, he will look back on his important job with pride.
She added: "It is his destiny after all to be part of many royal occasions in the future. And he will feel proud to be the youngest person taking part in the historic ceremony.
"His grandfather is King and as his first grandchild, George should definitely have a role to play.
"When Charles' mother was crowned, he was only four and a half. He was taken to watch part of the ceremony sitting between his grandmother the Queen Mother and his aunt, Princess Margaret.
"He can't remember any detail, but he remembers he was there. In years to come, George will have a far wonderful memory of his big moment.
"And in typical sibling rivalry, he will have one over his super confident younger sister Charlotte. It is win-win all round."
Ingrid Seward is editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine.
