In a recent interview, the Prince of Wales offered a candid look into parenting within the modern royal family — revealing a key decision that surprised many: his eldest son, Prince George, does not have a smartphone.
The comment has reignited public discussion about how the royals balance tradition, safety, and the realities of raising children in the digital age. Speaking during a televised appearance in Brazil on November 10, 2025, Prince William explained that he and Princess Catherine (Kate Middleton) are taking a cautious approach to technology in their household.
A Royal Childhood with Modern Rules
Prince George, who turned 12 on July 22, 2025, is second in line to the British throne after his father. Alongside his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, he is growing up under both royal tradition and the expectations of contemporary family life.
During his conversation with Brazilian broadcaster Luciano Huck, Prince William spoke openly about the challenges of raising children in a world defined by technology, social media, and constant online access. “Every family has its own difficulties and its own challenges,” he said, emphasizing that communication and openness are key parts of his parenting philosophy.
According to the Prince, he and Princess Catherine encourage honest dialogue with their children, even when addressing complex topics. “Sometimes you feel you’re oversharing with the children; you probably shouldn’t,” he shared, “but most of the time, hiding things from them doesn’t work.”
Why Prince George Doesn’t Have a Phone
When asked about whether Prince George owns a smartphone, Prince William’s answer was clear: “No phones. No.” The future king explained that the decision was motivated by concerns about internet exposure, online safety, and the emotional well-being of young children.
He further noted that the family may consider allowing George a basic device — one without internet access — once he begins secondary school. “I think when George moves on to secondary school, then maybe he might have a phone that has no internet access,” he said.
Prince William’s comments reflect a growing trend among parents worldwide who are delaying their children’s introduction to smartphones. A 2023 report by Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, found that the average age for children receiving their first smartphone is around 9–10 years old, though many families are now opting to wait longer due to safety and screen-time concerns.
Royal Parenting in the Digital Age
Both Prince William and Princess Catherine have spoken in the past about their commitment to fostering emotional resilience and healthy communication in their children. Through their joint work on mental health initiatives — including Heads Together and Shaping Us, a campaign launched by the Princess of Wales — they have emphasized the importance of early childhood development and family connection.
In 2024, Catherine stated that helping children “understand and manage their feelings” is a cornerstone of lifelong well-being. The couple’s digital policies appear to align with that philosophy, focusing on boundaries and emotional awareness rather than restriction alone.
William explained that his main concern is not the device itself but the kind of content children can access online. “Children can see too much they don’t need to see,” he said. “It’s the internet access that’s the problem.”
His remarks mirror warnings from UK child safety organizations such as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), which has called for stronger regulation of online platforms to protect minors from harmful content and cyberbullying.
Royal Protocol and Growing Responsibilities
As Prince George approaches his teenage years, new responsibilities and traditions are also beginning to shape his life. One such tradition involves travel protocols for heirs to the throne. Historically, royal heirs are discouraged from flying on the same aircraft to preserve the line of succession.
According to the Daily Mail’s “Palace Confidential” segment, when Prince William turned 12, he began flying separately from his father, then Prince Charles. This precaution was designed to ensure continuity of succession in the event of an emergency.
However, current reports indicate that the Wales family has not yet made any formal changes to their travel arrangements. Royal editor Rebecca English noted that palace officials suggested “there are no plans to enforce this rule at present,” reflecting a more flexible approach under King Charles III’s modern reign.
The Historical Reason Behind the Rule
The rule’s origins date back decades and stem from several tragic incidents in royal history. As royal historian Richard Fitzwilliams explained, past generations faced devastating aviation accidents, including the deaths of Prince George, Duke of Kent, in 1942, and Prince William of Gloucester, who died during an air race in 1972.
While air travel today is far safer, the royal family continues to uphold certain safety traditions as a matter of caution. Additionally, according to royal author Robert Jobson, both the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III expressed concern in the past about Prince William personally piloting aircraft with his entire family aboard.
Although such measures may appear symbolic, they serve as reminders of the monarchy’s enduring attention to continuity and heritage.
Everyday Rules for Royal Children
Prince George and his siblings are also raised under other long-standing customs that reflect both practicality and tradition. For instance, royal protocol suggests that male children wear shorts instead of trousers until about age eight — a convention rooted in British upper-class dress codes. Similarly, members of the royal family avoid certain foods, such as shellfish, while traveling abroad to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Even travel attire follows a royal rule: every family member must pack a set of black clothing. This practice was established after Queen Elizabeth II was caught without mourning attire when her father, King George VI, died in 1952 — a moment that left a lasting mark on royal planning.
Public Reaction to Prince William’s Parenting Decision
Following the interview, social media quickly filled with reactions from parents around the world. Many applauded the Prince and Princess of Wales for prioritizing their son’s well-being over convenience.
One viewer commented online, “George will thank them one day — protecting kids from too much screen time is one of the best gifts parents can give.” Another added, “It’s good to see even royals setting digital boundaries. Technology should serve families, not control them.”
Others pointed out the differences between royal life and the challenges faced by ordinary families. Some parents noted that smartphones have become essential tools for coordination, safety, and school communication. As one commenter observed, “It’s not practical for most 12-year-olds not to have a phone, but I understand why the royal family takes extra precautions.”
Despite differing opinions, most agreed that the Prince’s openness about modern parenting was refreshing. The discussion has helped spark broader conversations about how parents worldwide can navigate the balance between safety, independence, and digital connection.
A Royal Family Navigating Modern Parenthood
The Prince and Princess of Wales have long been praised for blending traditional royal values with a relatable approach to family life. Whether it’s prioritizing school drop-offs, encouraging outdoor play, or openly discussing emotions, they have modernized royal parenting in ways that resonate with families everywhere.
As Prince George continues to grow into his role as a future monarch, his parents’ thoughtful guidance — from managing technology to understanding royal responsibility — will play a defining role in shaping his character.
Their choices, while rooted in centuries of royal protocol, also reflect the values of twenty-first-century families: communication, mindfulness, and love above all.