For Queen and country, baby Prince George made the sacrifice of having fun.
The little prince’s first royal duty was a playdate with ten families selected to represent the diverse communities of New Zealand. Plunkett’s Parents Group, an organization that provides healthcare and support for new parents, arranged the Government House get-together. They chose George’s playmates from a variety of backgrounds including Maoris, Samoans and gay couples.
The 8-month-old prince is growing up fast. Not only has he begun to serve his patriotic duty, but the Duchess of Cambridge says that George has been sleeping through the night and eating solid foods. Later he will wear the crown, but for now, Prince George is content to simply play.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Inside Elon Musk’s War on Washington
- Meet the 2025 Women of the Year
- The Harsh Truth About Disability Inclusion
- Why Do More Young Adults Have Cancer?
- Colman Domingo Leads With Radical Love
- How to Get Better at Doing Things Alone
- Cecily Strong on Goober the Clown
- Column: The Rise of America’s Broligarchy
Contact us at letters@time.com