Quick Answer
It is highly unlikely that an average person would be able to marry Prince George, who is currently second in line to the British throne. There are several barriers that would prevent a commoner from marrying into the British royal family, including royal rules, customs, and expectations around appropriate partners for royalty. However, there have been some examples of commoners marrying royalty over the years, so it is not completely impossible.
Who is Prince George?
Prince George of Cambridge was born on July 22, 2013 and is the oldest child of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. As the oldest son of Prince William, who is second in line to the throne, Prince George is currently third in the line of succession to the British throne, behind his grandfather Prince Charles and his father Prince William.
Prince George is a full-time member of the British royal family and lives with his parents and younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, at Kensington Palace in London. As Prince George grows up, he is expected to take on more royal duties and responsibilities, under the guidance of his parents and grandparents. Many speculate that he will one day become King George VII, following the reigns of his grandfather Charles and father William.
Rules and Customs Preventing Commoner-Royalty Marriages
The British royal family adheres to strict rules and customs when it comes to marriage. These long-standing traditions have made it quite rare for royalty to marry commoners. Here are some of the biggest obstacles:
Royal Marriages Act of 1772
This act stated that all descendants of King George II had to seek monarch approval before marrying. This gave the reigning monarch authority to veto unsuitable marriages. The act was repealed in 2015 but the expectation remains that royals will seek Queen Elizabeth II’s permission before proposing.
Unwritten Social Rules and Expectations
There are rigid social rules against royalty marrying non-aristocrats. Traditionally, royals only married other royals or aristocrats; people believed to be of equal social status. Marrying a commoner was seen as inappropriate.
Religious Barriers
Royals are also expected to marry partners of approved Christian faiths. The 1701 Act of Settlement prohibits royals from marrying Roman Catholics. Marrying outside of the Anglican church has been frowned upon for centuries.
Concerns Over Adjusting to Royal Life
There are worries that commoners would struggle adjusting to the demands of royal life. Strict protocol, endless public duties, lack of privacy, and intense media scrutiny are challenging for someone unfamiliar.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Royal Marriages Act of 1772 | Royals must seek monarch’s approval before marrying |
| Social Rules & Expectations | Royals expected to marry those of equal social status |
| Religious Barriers | Royals discouraged from marrying outside Church of England |
| Concerns Over Adjustment | Worries a commoner wouldn’t adjust to demands of royal life |
Examples of Commoners Who Married Into Royalty
While unusual, there have been some remarkable examples of commoners marrying into royalty over the centuries:
King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson
In 1936, King Edward VIII proposed to Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who had been divorced twice. The Church of England refused to support the union and other royals strongly disapproved. Edward abdicated the throne in order to marry Simpson, causing a major constitutional crisis.
Prince William and Kate Middleton
In 2011, Prince William married Kate Middleton, a commoner he met while studying at university. Breaking with tradition, William was allowed to choose his own bride. Kate adapted smoothly into royal life and remains hugely popular with the public.
Other Examples
Other commoners who married into royalty include Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier of Monaco, Letizia Ortiz to King Felipe VI of Spain, and Queen Silvia of Sweden. While no longer unheard of, these unions are still quite rare.
Historical Context
In the past, royalty strengthened alliances and expanded empires through strategic marriages with other royals and aristocrats. Marrying for love, especially to a commoner, was seen as foolish and irresponsible. However, shifting public attitudes have allowed for more inclusion of everyday people into royal circles.
What Would It Take to Marry Prince George?
For a common person to have any chance of approval to marry Prince George, the following criteria would likely need to be met:
Become a Member of the Anglican Church
As the future Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Prince George is essentially required to marry someone from an Anglican background. Conversion to Anglicanism prior to an engagement would be expected.
Gain Queen Elizabeth II’s Blessing
The reigning monarch’s approval is necessary for any royal wedding to move forward. Earning the Queen’s favor and respect would be critical. She would consider character, motives, preparedness for public life, and other factors.
Have an Elite Education and Pedigree
While not an actual aristocrat, the ideal candidate would have an upper-class upbringing, family pedigree, elite education and impressive career. Royals prefer spouses who can navigate high society with ease.
Exhibit Poise, Discretion, and Loyalty
Any potential suitor would need to demonstrate extreme discretion, keep private matters confidential, and exhibit devotion to the royal family above all else. Handling intense public scrutiny with grace and tact would also be vital.
Be Willing to Fulfill Royal Duties
The spouse of a senior royal must take on public duties, make official visits, attend state events, go on tours, and follow strict protocols. Willingness to take on the demands of royal life is imperative.
Gain Public Approval and Acceptance
Finally, earning the respect and admiration of the British public would be crucial. Royal marriages that align with public values tend to gain the most support. Widespread skepticism or dislike would be very problematic.
Conclusion
While there are a few rare instances of commoners marrying into royalty, the odds are quite slim of an average person being able to marry Prince George. Ancient rules, social expectations, religious differences, adaptability concerns, and intense public scrutiny pose barriers. For a commoner to gain approval, meeting stringent requirements around faith, discretion, poise, pedigree and earning utmost respect from the Queen and British public would be essential prerequisites. While not completely impossible, a commoner marrying Prince George remains highly unlikely.