Prince William is applying lessons from his parents’ troubled marriage to his own relationship with Kate Middleton.
In an episode of Eugene Levy’s Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveler, released on October 3, the Prince of Wales reflected on the challenges faced by King Charles III and the late Princess Diana.
“I think it’s really important that that atmosphere is created at home. You have to have that warmth, that feeling of safety, security, love,” William, 43, said, speaking about raising his three children with the Princess of Wales: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.
Prince William is determined not to repeat the mistakes his parents made in their marriage.
Prince William reflected on his parents’ relationship during an appearance on Eugene Levy’s The Reluctant Traveler.
“That all has to be there, and that was certainly part of my childhood,” he said.
However, the heir to the British throne noted that the warm environment only “lasted a short period of time,” as his parents divorced in 1996 when he was just 8 years old. Their breakup followed widely reported accounts of King Charles’ long-term affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, whom he married in 2005.
“You take that and you learn from it and you try and make sure you don’t do the same mistakes as your parent,” William added. “I think we all try and do that.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton share three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
William acknowledges that family drama can have a lasting impact on a child’s development.
“I just want to do what’s best for my children, but I know that the drama and the stress when you’re small really affects you when you’re older,” he said.
He also believes the intense tabloid scrutiny surrounding his parents contributed to the strain on their marriage.
“Growing up, I saw that with my parents. The media were so insatiable back then. It’s hard to think of it now, but they were everywhere. They wanted every bit of detail they could absorb,” William explained.
The Prince of Wales said he strives not to repeat the “mistakes” of his parents.
William has learned that shielding his family from media pressure is essential for maintaining a loving home.
“If you let that creep in, the damage it can do to your family life is something that I vowed would never happen to my family,” he said. “And so, I take a very strong line about where I think that line is, and those who overstep it, I’ll fight against.”
William and Kate Middleton, both 43, maintain a structured household and make a point of having dinner together with their children every night.
William noted that his parents’ marriage was heavily impacted by media scrutiny.
“If you let that creep in, the damage it can do to your family life is something I vowed would never happen to mine,” he said.
“We sit and chat; it’s really important,” William added, revealing that their children aren’t allowed to have cellphones.
“None of our children have any phones, which we’re very strict about,” he emphasized.
Instead, the young royals find other ways to stay active and entertained. Princess Charlotte enjoys netball and ballet, Prince George loves football and hockey, and little Prince Louis likes jumping on the trampoline.
William and Kate are committed to shielding their children from tabloid scrutiny.
They also don’t allow their children to have cellphones.
“Louis loves the trampoline, so he’s obsessed with trampolining, and actually Charlotte does a lot as well,” William said. “As far as I can tell, they just end up jumping up and down, beating each other up most of the time. Apparently, there is an art to it.”
Overall, William believes keeping his children engaged in sports and outdoor activities is important.
“They’re trying to learn musical instruments. I’m not sure how successful we’re being with that,” he laughed.
