Prince William recently shared insights into his parenting philosophy while in Rio de Janeiro for the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony on November 5. The 43-year-old royal, who is first in line for the British throne, discussed the candid conversations he and his wife, Princess Kate, have with their children—George, 12, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, 7—especially in light of recent challenges, including King Charles’ health issues and Kate’s cancer diagnosis.
In an interview with Brazilian journalist Luciano Huck, William emphasized the importance of open communication with their children. He admitted that while sharing information can sometimes feel like oversharing, it’s crucial to be transparent. “Sometimes you feel you’re oversharing with your children and probably shouldn’t. But most of the time, hiding stuff from them doesn’t work,” he noted. This approach helps ease the children’s anxieties about uncertain situations by allowing them to explore their feelings.
William remarked that every parent faces the constant balancing act of how much to share with their children. “There’s a lot more questions when there are no answers. It’s always a balancing act; every parent knows that,” he said. The Prince highlighted that there is no definitive guide to parenting, and it’s essential to rely on one’s instincts.
In January, Princess Kate expressed relief as she announced her cancer was in remission, nearly ten months after revealing her diagnosis and treatment plan. This timely update from the royal family has resonated with many, providing hope during a challenging period.
Additionally, Prince William addressed the issue of technology and social media in parenting. He revealed that while their children do not currently own mobile phones, he anticipates that George might receive a “brick phone” with no internet access when he transitions to secondary school. “It’s really hard,” he explained, elaborating on his concerns about the potential dangers of unrestricted online access for children. “I think children can access too much stuff they don’t need to see online.”
Through their open dialogue and careful navigation of modern challenges, Prince William and Princess Kate are setting a thoughtful example of modern parenting, showing that balancing transparency with protection is a journey every parent navigates.