The Prince and Princess of Wales will use a strict protocol to protect the future partners of their children, a royal expert has revealed. William and Catherine are already laying the groundwork to shield Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, from intense media scrutiny when they start dating.
Replicating the St Andrews agreement
The royal couple plan to replicate the media blackout that protected their own blossoming romance at St Andrews University, according to former broadcaster and royal author Simon Vigar. Speaking to GB News, Mr Vigar revealed that the Waleses intend to negotiate a similar "gentleman's agreement" with the press to ensure their children's future love interests enjoy complete privacy during their formative years.
William and Catherine benefited directly from an agreement between the Royal Family and the British press during their university years. Media outlets agreed to leave the young prince in peace so he could focus on his studies and build relationships away from the spotlight.
Nearly two years of private courtship
The blackout gave the couple, who first met in 2001, nearly two years of private courtship before their relationship became public knowledge. Mr Vigar noted that the early censorship "was great" for the couple and added that "the British media should get some credit" for respecting the boundaries.
The strict agreement was breached only once, in 2001, when a production crew from Prince Edward's company, Ardent Productions, attempted to film on campus during William's first week. The crew was immediately ordered off the premises, prompting a swift apology.
A "similar deal" for their children
As George, Charlotte and Louis grow up, William and Catherine will seek a "similar deal" for their children's higher education. Mr Vigar noted that guidelines regarding "what can be printed" will inevitably evolve to adapt to modern media landscapes.
The strategy aligns with William's broader vision for a modernised monarchy. The Prince of Wales has previously signalled his desire to overhaul traditional privacy measures to shield his young family from "insatiable" press intrusion, dropping a firm hint about his future reign: "Change is on the agenda."
Immediate test at Eton
However, the effectiveness of these traditional protections will be put to an immediate test this September, as Prince George prepares for a monumental shift when he begins studying at Eton College. Moving into senior school brings a wave of modern challenges that extend beyond those faced by traditional press photographers, as George will be living and studying alongside classmates equipped with smartphones and social media access.
In an era where moments can be filmed and shared online in seconds, navigating this digital environment means William and Kate's privacy protocols will face an unprecedented hurdle long before university life even begins.
