Prince William left 'anxious' as he makes major parenting change over Prince George

Prince William is reportedly "anxious" to adopt a different approach to the upbringing of his son, Prince George, as he continues to take a more active role in royal life. In a charitable moment that likely held special significance for the Prince of Wales last week, 12-year-old George joined his father at the London homelessness charity The Passage to help prepare festive meals.

George signed the guest book while he was there on December 16, marking the first time the young prince had completed such a task in an official capacity. There was also a poignant detail: above his name were two more signatures, dated December 14, 1993, belonging to his father (now a charity patron) and his late grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales, who at the time accompanied then-11-year-old William. This event adds to George’s growing list of royal engagements. Back in May, on VE Day, the future King participated in a tea party for Second World War veterans, further cementing his role in public life.

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, described George as a "very impressive young man" but believes that his "anxious" father is keen to take a different approach to his upbringing.

Ingrid told The Telegraph: "He is a very impressive young man, but I think William is anxious to bring him up differently to how he himself was brought up after his mother died.

"He is very conscious of not wanting George to be seen as an elitist kid; he just wants him to be as ordinary as he can be. I remember [the Princess of Wales] once saying that they always discuss these appearances with George, that he is never pushed.

"William is doing what he can to get him to look at the world in a certain way, but you can see how good George was with those old soldiers – he wants to do all these things. And William is happy for him to have a taste of it, but not the full meal."

George's trip to The Passage came at a time when they were making Christmas dinner for 150 people. Mick Clarke, chief executive of The Passage, said the prince was "very much" ready to help out.

He said: "So it was really about, 'Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in?' And he very much was. Very much like his dad, actually—just wanted to get stuck in and help.

"A lovely kid is how I would describe him, and he just really seemed very interested in the work that we do and particularly in talking to people who have used our services."

On a lighter note, a bit of friendly competition reportedly struck up between father and son as they worked. William prepared sprouts while George "was helping with the Yorkshire puddings," reports the BBC.

In further remarks, Mick also spoke about the touching moment George signed the guest book, describing it as a "lovely, beautiful moment," particularly alongside William's comments.

He noted that William was "pointing out to George, 'This is my mum's signature. This was the first time that she brought me here.'"