In some countries, god-parents are carefully selected by the parents to strengthen familial, political and business ties. thereby obligating these god-parents to help out. 

Some cultures have stated that the refusal to accept the invitation to become a god-parent will bring bad luck. Thus, this is being capitalized upon by many families who engage up to twenty pairs (or sometimes even more) of god-parents on baptisms and weddings, wherein they expect tons of gifts in kind or cash to make up for their celebration expenses but ultimately being asked to be a god parent is a huge honour.

There is huge speculation about who Prince George's godparents will be and sources have said the couple chose childhood friends because they want to give George a sense of “stability and normality. William and Kate have named their childhood friends as Prince George's godparents which is a break from royal tradition and will probably raise some eyebrows but I salute them. The choice of godparents is a difficult one without the press speculation and whole world having an opinion.

So whilst I wish them every happiness and the honour bestowed on Prince George's godparents is a big one but I hope that they never actually have to step up to their obligations.