Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton’s children, despite their royal status, aren’t showered with every luxury available.
In episode 4 of Eugene Levy’s Apple TV+ series, The Reluctant Traveler — premiering Friday, October 3 — Prince William, 43, discussed family life and values at home. He disclosed that Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, do not have cell phones.
When Levy, 78, inquired about their dinner routines, William confirmed, “Yes, we definitely sit down together. It’s really important for us. None of our children have phones, and we enforce that rule strictly.”
The actor seemed taken aback, asking how the children entertain themselves without smartphones.
“Louis is quite fond of the trampoline, and he spends a lot of time jumping around. Charlotte participates as well, and they often seem to be wrestling each other on it. Apparently, there’s a skill to it! Charlotte also plays netball and ballet, while George enjoys both football and hockey, and we prioritize keeping them engaged in sports and outdoor activities,” William elaborated.
During a visit to Windsor Castle, William shared that he occasionally takes his kids to St George’s Hall to explore and play “after hours.”
“My cousins and I used to run around here and engage in silly games,” he reminisced about his childhood. “The old wooden floors had spots to avoid due to splinters. I recall the dark oak floors that made it unsafe to run without worry of sharp splinters.”
He demonstrated the size of one of the splinters with his hands, stating, “And everyone would shout, ‘Stop! Stop!’ when someone got injured.”
William remarked, “Fortunately, my children are lucky now, with a big carpet to run on without the worry of those splinters. We occasionally play tag in the space after hours.”
Eugene Levy, Prince William Apple TV+
William emphasized that his family is “paramount” in his life, despite being next in line for the British throne. The routine of dropping off and picking up his kids from school is just as important to him as attending royal events.
“Striking a balance between work and family is crucial. For me, my family is everything, and ensuring our children start out with a happy, healthy, and stable environment is essential—they deserve that framework for their future,” he stated to Levy. “We must provide them the best opportunities for a thriving life ahead.”
Levy discussed how William and his brother, Prince Harry, seemed to have enjoyed a “relatively ordinary childhood” under their late mother, Princess Diana, who tragically passed away in a car accident in August 1997.
“Absolutely,” William responded. “Creating a warm, secure, and loving atmosphere at home is critical. That was part of my upbringing, despite my parents’ divorce when I was eight. It’s about learning from past experiences to forge a better path for my children.”
He continued, “The stress and chaos of childhood do stick with you as you grow older. That’s why I focus on ensuring my children have a nurturing environment.”
In light of his reportedly strained relationship with Harry, 41, William admitted that family issues can be quite overwhelming at times. “From a job perspective, I feel a sense of calm, especially now. In my younger years, sure, there were moments of doubt and anxiety regarding my role. But with age comes a sense of stability,” he noted. “Family matters, though, can easily become overwhelming for anyone, as they deeply affect our emotions and can unsettle our daily rhythm.”
William also shared insights into King Charles III and Kate’s recent health challenges, alongside the strategies George, Charlotte, and Louis have employed to navigate these difficulties.
“Every individual copes differently with such situations, and children are always adapting and evolving. We strive to provide them with the necessary security and support. We’re an open family committed to discussing our feelings and challenges, but the impacts are often unpredictable. Hence, it’s vital to nurture each other and assure the children that everything will be alright,” William explained.
Currently, William shared that “things are looking positive” regarding Kate’s recovery, noting that “everything is on the right path.” (She announced in January that she is in remission from cancer.)
“I’d say that 2024 has been the toughest year of my life. Balancing parental duties to shield my children, supporting Catherine, and attending to my father’s needs has been a challenge. Yet, it’s crucial for my family to have the space to process last year’s events, which made things tricky while trying to fulfill my responsibilities. However, everyone faces challenges, and it’s vital to keep moving forward,” he stated.
