There are big changes coming for the Windsors, as future king Prince George becomes a teenager. While Princes George and Louis and their sister Princess Charlotte have been born into a destiny that few can imagine, their parents have made it their mission to provide them with as normal and loving an upbringing as possible. At home, the Prince and Princess of Wales are simply mum and dad to their three children, and they strive to ensure their happiness and stability takes precedence over all else.
Kate's Priority: Family First
Kate has made it very clear that while her children are school age, they will be her priority, and she has absolutely stuck to that, says royal expert Richard Palmer. She has never wanted to be a slave to the demands of the royal household, and she considers looking after her children and her relationship with her husband as more important. William agrees to an extent, although he obviously has different responsibilities as future king. But he feels his childhood suffered because of royal demands and scrutiny, so he is trying to protect his own family from that. They are lucky in that they have the machinery of the royal family to protect them.
Support from the Middletons
William and Kate have also received much-needed support from Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. Their help was especially invaluable while Kate was undergoing cancer treatment in 2024. Royal correspondent Jennie Bond highlighted Carole's vital role: She was a tower of strength for William and Catherine during the difficult days of her daughter's cancer treatment. It must have been a time when she herself was feeling distraught, but she knew she had to stay strong for the family, comfort Catherine, support William and reassure the children. She was also pretty hands-on with practical help, keeping the household running smoothly.
The family's move to Forest Lodge brings them within an hour's drive of the Middletons' home in Bucklebury, West Berkshire, providing vital support as they navigate big life changes this year, including George's move to a new school.
Balancing Royal and Normal Life
Katie Nicholl, royal expert and author, says: They have a perfect hybrid of royal and so-called normal influence, preparing them incredibly well for their futures. They have the opportunity to just run around in the gardens and enjoy normal pastimes away from royal duty with the Middletons, but they also have a very engaged grandfather in Charles. He loves spending time with them, and it means George, in particular, is getting tutelage from him first hand, exactly what William had with the late Queen.
The King clearly adores his grandchildren. In the official photograph for his 70th birthday, a beaming Charles was flanked by his wife, children, and grandchildren, with a giggling Prince George on his knee. Charles once said of becoming a grandparent: The great thing is to encourage them. Show them things to take their interest. My grandmother did that. It is very important to create a bond when they are very young.
The children reportedly call their royal grandfather Grandpa Wales, while Camilla is known as Gaga. Charles has always adored Kate, and of course William, and as such, he adores his grandchildren, Richard says. He genuinely enjoys their company. There have been spells where Kate and William found it frustrating that Charles could not spend more time with the children, but they are on an even keel now.
Screen Time: A Tense Issue
William spoke candidly last year about efforts to ensure his children do not grow up with some of the practices he and Prince Harry experienced. We try to make sure we give them the security and the safety that they need, he told Eugene Levy for Apple TV+. We are a very open family, so we talk about things that bother us. Spending time in nature and away from screens is another fundamental pillar of their family life, Katie says, although it is becoming an increasing challenge as the children get older. It is not easy in today's world, but they are doing their best to keep the children off screens and away from social media. William recently admitted the topic was becoming a tense issue at home with George, but said he and Kate might consider giving him a brick phone for secondary school.
George's New Chapter
The future King, who turns 13 on 22 July, is rumoured to be attending Kate's former school Marlborough College in Wiltshire rather than Eton College. William, who boarded at Ludgrove School aged eight before Eton at 13, enjoyed his time at Berkshire school, particularly its sports programme. It also provided a sanctuary after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. His housemaster Dr Andrew Gailey was particularly supportive and was invited to William's wedding. Kate blossomed from a shy pupil into a confident teenager at Marlborough. Katie says: Kate and William both boarded at their secondary schools and they loved it, so it is very likely George will follow in his parents' footsteps. Wherever he goes, it is the start of a new chapter and an adjustment. The children are all growing up, and George is aware he will be king one day. They are being raised with an awareness of their royal positioning and future duties while enjoying the best of an ordinary childhood. This is the balance Kate and William have strived for.
