Prince William Opens Up About His Kids' Screen Time Battles
Royal children: Just like us.
Any parent can relate to the dilemmas surrounding screen time, but it turns out the Royal Family face the same fights over what to watch...just in a slightly more posh home. During a BAFTA event in London on Wednesday, Oct. 9, Prince William admitted that he faces a common parenting challenge with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
While meeting with Erik Scott, a National Film and TV School student involved in the upcoming Film Africa festival, he shared that his kids are "always wrestling over the remote" since there are so many shows to choose from these days.
This isn't the first time William has opened up about managing his children's relationship with screens. In January 2022, he addressed the topic during another BAFTA visit, specifically mentioning Prince George's enthusiasm for gaming.
"They're fascinated by it," he said of the kids and technology, adding that he and Princess Kate were working to "regulate" their children's screen time – a familiar challenge for parents everywhere.
While Charlotte, 9, and Louis, 6, were only 6 and 3, respectively, at the time, William said that his youngest kids were "a bit too small at the moment, but they love the films."
Speaking of screen time, fans got a rare glimpse inside the Wales family home during the Euros finals this summer, with a sweet snapshot showing Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis wearing personalized England jerseys as they watched the final (lucky big brother Prince George cheered the team on in person alongside their dad).
Louis and Charlotte watching the Euros
A photo posted by on
George, Charlotte and Louis have largely been kept out of the public eye, minus the occasional royal appearance at events like Trooping the Colour or King Charles's coronation. However, they played a starring role in mom Kate's Sept. 9 cancer update video, which gave an intimate glimpse at the family's laid-back life in the countryside.
Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
In the clip—during which the Princess of Wales said she had completed chemotherapy treatment—the family explores the woods with their dog, Orla, takes part in a picnic and runs across a sunny beach together.
Meanwhile, Kate, William, George, Charlotte, and Louis also engaged in a rousing game of cards with grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton in the video, proving that off-screen time is sometimes the most fun of all.
Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.”
-
Kate Middleton's Fern Earrings for Surprise Appearance Had a Poignant Hidden Meaning
The princess has owned the symbolic Catherine Zoraida style since 2020.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
We're Obsessed With Movies—These Are The Films You Have to Watch At Least Once in Your Life
These must-watch films are essentials.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Think Foot Care Is Optional? Not According to Brie Larson
The Oscar winner shares her beauty and wellness essentials.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
Prince William "Looks After" Princess Kate With an Adorable Gesture Once the Kids Are Asleep
"They look after each other, but in different ways."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Reveals the Surprising Activity Prince George Tried and "Loved" Last Year
What can't this sporty family do?
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Enjoys a Sporty Dad's Night Out With Princess Charlotte's Godfather
Dads just wanna have fun.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
You'll Never Guess Prince George's Sweet First Nickname
It's royally cute.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
James Middleton Reveals How Princess Kate and Prince William Dodged Paparazzi at His Wedding Dinner
"It is challenging because the restaurant where we eat is quite exposed."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Is "Amazingly Brave" and "Doing So Well" After Completing Cancer Treatment
Lady Frederick Windsor shared a heartwarming update on the Princess of Wales.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Prince William and Princess Kate are Making Their Own Royal Parenting Rules
"It's a normal, busy family home with kids running around and knocking things over. There's no airs and graces."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
James Middleton's Son Inigo Wears Clothes Donated by Princess Kate and Pippa Middleton
"They are milestones, because my sisters remember when their child was wearing something."
By Amy Mackelden Published