Are Kate and William Super Strict? The Surprising Rules They Have for Their Children

When people think of life as a royal child, images of freedom, staff, and large estates quickly come to mind. But in Prince William and Princess Kate’s household, everyday life apparently follows a much more structured routine. They want their children to grow up as normally as possible.

For Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, there are clear boundaries that have less to do with old court protocols than with parenting. One issue in particular is of great concern to Kate and William: the use of cell phones and the internet. This is precisely where it becomes clear why the family remains so consistent on certain points.

This policy is most evident when it comes to smartphones. “None of our children have cell phones—we’re very strict about that,” William said in the documentary “The Reluctant Traveler.” However, the heir to the throne also openly admitted that the discussion about cell phones within the family isn’t always easy.

For George, however, the cell phone situation could change soon—but only to a limited extent: “I think when George moves onto secondary school then maybe he might have a phone that has limited access,” William said, according to Cosmopolitan.

The crux of his stance lies in access to the internet. William emphasized that children might see too much content online that is not intended for them. For that reason, if anything, only an old flip phone that can be used for calls and text messages should be allowed.

This decision may seem strict, but it fits with a parenting style that emphasizes protection and explanation. William explained that George understands the reason behind it because the family talks openly about it. In this way, a prohibition becomes not merely a punishment, but a reasonable boundary.

There also seem to be clear rules when it comes to meals. In everyday family life, everyone sits down together at the table instead of watching TV or getting up. William explained in the documentary mentioned above that these conversations during dinner are very important to the family.

This ties in with another principle in the household: openness. “We're a very open family, so we talk about things that bother us,” William says in the documentary. For the children, this apparently means that listening, talking, and spending time together are an integral part of their daily routine.

And there's one more thing that's very important to Kate and William when it comes to their children: Even with nannies, cooks, and other staff, the three children are expected to pitch in around the house. This includes setting the table, clearing away their own plates, and helping with cleanup.

Equally important is the tone of their interactions: loud arguments are off-limits. According to an insider quoted by The Sun, William and Kate opt for calm conversations rather than scolding or punishment.