Prince George is "undoubtedly aware of his future role" as head of the monarchy - but it'll be a while before he becomes king. "Barring any accidents or health issues, George will not be king for some years," royal historian Marlene Koenig told Us Weekly exclusively following George's 12th birthday last month. "He is second in line - as his father is the heir apparent - and his grandfather is the king." Koenig speculated that George's "proper awareness" for his future role came after Queen Elizabeth II's September 2022 death.