19 July 2023 , 06:00
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Exactly 10 years ago, the world was struck with royal baby fever as the Prince and Princess of Wales eagerly awaited the birth of their first child.
And after what felt like weeks of waiting, the announcement finally came that the couple had welcomed a baby boy - a future King - who they later named George Alexander Louis and who turns 10 on Saturday.
But just because he is an heir to the throne, it did not mean Prince William and Kate could be excused from completing one important task like all other new parents. They too had to register Prince George's birth and have a birth certificate issued for him as a matter of public record.
Kate Middleton with oldest child Prince George, who is 10 on Saturday (AFP via Getty Images)Like all other birth certificates, it features George's full name, the date of his birth, where he was born - St Mary's Hospital's Lindo Wing - and who the informant was, which was dad Prince William.
However, under the section for the mother's occupation, there was a very unusual answer - probably one that has only ever been written a handful of times. That's because Kate's job is listed as "Princess of the United Kingdom".
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Similarly, William's job is down as "Prince of the United Kingdom" even though he was a helicopter pilot in the RAF at the time - and could have used that description instead.
William and Kate leave hospital with a newborn Prince George 10 years ago (Getty Images)Kate's job title did spark confusion at the time as this was before she was Princess of Wales and had the title the Duchess of Cambridge. This led many to question at the time if she really was a princess given her title was duchess.
But from the day she married William, she technically did become a princess but not in her own right. In fact, she is still Princess William of Wales, however back then her title of Duchess of Cambridge took precedence, while now her Princess of Wales style does.
Meanwhile, George's 10th birthday later this week comes after reports his parents are said to have decided that the young prince can skip tradition and not join the armed forces.
While most male heirs are expected to serve their country in some way, the usual stint of duty is reportedly not something George will not contend with unless he expresses a desire to join, it has been claimed.
Historian Dominic Sandbrook said the tradition is changing within The Firm, and future heirs and other members of the royals could even go on to take on civilian roles.
A friend of William reportedly said he and Kate will not stand in the way of George finding his own destiny and passion in life. The friend told the Mail on Sunday : "In theory, there is nothing to stop George from pursuing a career as an astronaut, for example, if that’s what he wants, and then becoming King later.
"The rules are different now, he wouldn't necessarily have to follow the old formula of going into the military and then Royal life. So, could Charlotte qualify as a doctor, for example? I don't see why not. It's less of a fishbowl now than when William and Harry were growing up."