Prince George Playdates a Frequent Occurrence at Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace
Prince George turns one later this month and has been busy having playdates at his grandmother's home in Windsor Castle. It's easier for the young prince to remain home and have friends over than to go out, where he and his mother would be surrounded by security forces.
The latest guest was George's godmother, Emilia Jardine Paterson, who has a toddler of her own. She and Kate Middleton were good friends at school and may have been the one to introduce Kate and William when they were just 17, before they met again at St. Andrews University. Emilia has been part of Kate's life, helping her design her home at Kensington Palace.
"Kate invited Emilia and the children to go and play," a source told Vanity Fair. "Kate can't take George to public playdates for fear they will get photographed. She entertains a lot at Kensington Palace, but the Queen is also happy for her family to use Windsor when she's not in residence."
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There is plenty of security and privacy for George and his playmates, allowing them much more freedom to just be kids. Kate can also afford to let down her hair and visit with friends within the sanctity of either her own home or Windsor Castle. It's a much different atmosphere than other royal children were raised in. Then again, Prince George has had a lot more freedom and opportunities than his father and grandfather, Prince Charles.
The youngest prince spent his first days at his mother's parents' home rather than at Buckingham Palace or Kensington Palace. His grandparents are an important and active part of his life. Aunt Pippa and Uncle Harry also spend plenty of time with their nephew; Pippa was recently named "Auntie of the Year" by Wrappler magazine. She beat out Kim Kardashian, and Victoria Beckham for the title.
"No one can deny that having a famous aunt would be amazing, and I think the respondents have it right when it comes to naming the best," a spokesman told Daily Mail. "I bet even Prince George gets bored of being a little prince every once in a while, and so I'm sure that having an un-royal auntie will be a great blessing when he grows up."
