But while the Wales children have appeared only sparingly in public, a royal expert now argues that Prince George, the future king, is being shielded too much — to the point that the public hasn’t been given the chance to “love” him.
A Different Approach to Raising Royal Children
The Prince and Princess of Wales have taken a very different parenting route compared to previous generations. Their aim has always been to ensure Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis enjoy childhoods that feel normal, at least as far as royal life allows.
Despite his position as second in line to the throne, George, now 12, appears only occasionally at major royal events. And while it’s unclear how much he fully grasps about his destiny as a future monarch, royal insiders say William and Kate are intentionally taking their time in explaining the full weight of the role.
According to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, William and Kate’s approach is shaped by the fallout of Prince Harry’s exit from royal life — and his painful reflection on being labeled the “spare.” Bond explained to GB News that William refuses to place his children into rigid categories based solely on birth order.
“William is focused on creating a stable and private family life—the kind he never had when he was growing up,” Bond said.
Claims the Waleses Are Keeping George “Under Lock and Key”
But not everyone agrees with the couple’s strategy. Royal expert Katie Nicholl told the Express that William and Kate may be holding George back too much — to the point that the public hasn’t had the opportunity to bond with the boy who will one day be king.
“William doesn’t want George to have the same level of exposure he and Prince Harry had as kids, so it has to be done very carefully,” Nicholl said.
However, she added a warning: “[Prince] William has the sense to know that the public needs to fall in love with George as a youngster. He has to have a presence, and he can’t be kept under lock and key and only introduced when he’s 18.”
Though George has made some appearances — such as at Trooping the Colour, the Christmas Day walkabout, the Easter Sunday service, and Wimbledon with Charlotte — Nicholl argues it’s not enough to build a meaningful public connection.