Duke of Cambridge Shares Desire to Provide George, Charlotte, and Louis with a Grounded Childhood
Prince William has long prioritised giving his children a balanced and "normal" upbringing, despite their royal status. Together with Princess Kate, the Duke of Cambridge has worked to ensure that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis grow up with an understanding of life beyond the privileges of royalty.
William’s dedication to providing a typical childhood for his children is deeply rooted in his own upbringing, where he was made aware from a young age of his future responsibilities as King. He believes it is crucial for his children to enjoy a childhood filled with emotional support and normal experiences before they take on royal duties.
In a 2016 interview, William shared, “Within our family unit, we are a normal family. I love my children just like any father does, and I hope George loves me the same way any son loves his father. We are very normal in that sense.”
William also acknowledges the weight his children will eventually carry in their royal roles. Drawing from his own upbringing, particularly the lessons imparted by his late mother, Princess Diana, he aims to help his children understand the importance of their positions in society and the responsibilities that accompany them. Diana often took William and Harry to visit homeless shelters, and William plans to do the same with his children to instill an awareness of their privilege.
“My mother introduced me to the issue of homelessness when I was young, and I’m really grateful for that,” he said. “When it aligns with their schooling, I plan to expose George and his siblings to similar experiences. On the school run, we discuss what we see. In London, we often saw people sitting outside supermarkets, and I’d ask the children, ‘Why are they there? What’s happening?’ It’s essential to have these conversations at the right time so they gain an understanding.”
Royal expert Katie Nicholl highlighted William’s approach to parenting, noting that he is passing down values from both Princess Diana and King Charles. “It wasn’t just Diana; Charles also wanted his sons to be aware of life outside Palace walls,” Nicholl explained. “They both believed in raising their children with an appreciation for normal life beyond royal protocol.”
Nicholl added, “William and Kate’s children are likely more aware of issues like homelessness than most children from privileged backgrounds, thanks to William’s passionate advocacy. Their awareness has been shaped from an early age by the efforts of their parents, who are determined to keep their eyes wide open to the realities of the world.”
