As Prince George approaches his teenage years, Kate Middleton and Prince William are bracing for what they describe as one of their biggest parenting challenges yet. This September, George, who is currently 12, will transition to a new school, marking a significant shift as he enters adolescence. The royal couple has been dedicated to providing their children—George, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven—with a childhood shielded from excessive public scrutiny, a task that has become increasingly complex as the media landscape evolves.
The challenges of raising children under constant media attention have been underscored by recent events involving Brooklyn Beckham, who publicly criticized his parents, David and Victoria Beckham. The fallout from this incident reflects the difficulties of navigating family life in the limelight. Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond suggests that Middleton is likely observing this situation closely, especially given the parallels to her own experiences. She noted, “I’m sure she’ll have great sympathy for the Beckhams—any family rift is so sad.”
As George prepares for the transition to secondary school, institutions like Eton College and Marlborough College are reportedly under consideration. This educational shift coincides with George gradually taking on more public responsibilities, including his debut at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall last year. Bond highlighted that William hinted at the challenges of parenting, suggesting that George and his siblings are not as perfectly behaved at home as they appear in public.
According to Bond, “For all George’s polite and demure behaviour in front of the cameras, it was quite a different story in private.” She noted that tensions have already surfaced regarding whether George should have a mobile phone, emphasizing that as he approaches his teenage years, he will naturally seek independence and test boundaries. Bond remarked, “This suggests that William and Catherine are doing a good job at bringing up their children to be as normal as they can be, given their circumstances.”
All three of William and Kate’s children were introduced to the public shortly after their births at the Lindo Wing. As future members of the royal family, they are expected to participate in high-profile Royal events, such as Trooping the Colour. However, the couple exercises strict control over what is shared publicly, with Kate often behind the camera for birthday portraits. Their commitment to privacy was evident when they successfully took legal action against a French magazine for publishing intrusive photos during a ski trip.
Both William and Kate strive to keep their family life private. During a recent visit to Wakefield Trinity Rugby Club, Kate mentioned Charlotte’s extracurricular activities, stating, “She does loads of sport but not rugby.” William has also shared insights into their parenting, revealing in an interview during a trip to Brazil for the Earthshot Prize that he does not allow the children to have smartphones.
Bond highlights the unique difficulties of balancing typical parenting challenges with public scrutiny. “As every parent knows only too well, bringing up children is a tricky old business,” she said. She emphasized that parenting is a role taken on without training, and for royal parents, the challenges are amplified. “Most of us have experienced dragging a toddler in full tantrum mode out of the house and into the car,” Bond noted, adding that any public display of chaos from the royal children would quickly become headline news.
George’s position as the future monarch sets him on a distinct path, while Charlotte and Louis may enjoy more freedom in their choices. Historically, siblings of heirs have navigated their own unique trajectories, with some embracing public roles, while others have opted for more private lives. The late Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, became known as a socialite, while King Charles’ sister, Princess Anne, has been a steadfast figure within the monarchy.
In 2023, Prince Harry expressed concerns about the pressures faced by William’s children, indicating that there is a worry about at least one of them potentially feeling like the “spare.” Bond observed that the dynamics among the Wales children are complex, given that one of them is destined to become king. “For George, it must be daunting, but I think William and Catherine are intent on letting him just enjoy his childhood for as long as possible,” she remarked.
As the family navigates these changing dynamics, Kate’s expertise in early childhood development positions her well to support her children. “Catherine is the most capable person to reassure her children of their worth, when the time comes,” Bond concluded. The Wales family appears committed to providing their children with a balanced upbringing, allowing them to experience the joys of childhood while preparing for the responsibilities that lie ahead.
