Prince William explained how he and Princess Catherine communicated their cancer diagnoses to their children. Their approach emphasizes openness during challenging times.

At a glance

Communication with Children

Prince William shared insights on how he and Princess Catherine have navigated difficult family moments, including their health challenges. During an interview in Brazil, he emphasized the importance of being open with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. "We choose to communicate a lot more with our children," he stated, highlighting that hiding information often leads to anxiety. He acknowledged that every family faces unique challenges and that the approach to discussing these issues varies. "It's very individual and sort of moment-dependent as to how you deal with those problems," he added. The prince believes that explaining feelings and circumstances helps children understand and cope better.

Balancing Openness and Privacy

Prince William admitted that there is a fine line between sharing too much and not enough. "It's always a balancing act," he said, noting the lack of a parenting manual. He expressed that providing answers to children's questions is crucial to alleviating their worries. "There's a lot more questions when there's no answers," he remarked. Catherine's health journey has been a significant topic for the family. She announced her remission from cancer earlier this year, while King Charles continues to receive treatment. The family's openness about these experiences aims to foster understanding and resilience among the children.

Technology and Parenting

In addition to discussing health, Prince William addressed the issue of technology in their children's lives. He revealed that Prince George, who is approaching secondary school, does not yet have a phone. "It's really hard," he said, explaining that they are cautious about internet access. He believes that children can encounter inappropriate content online, which is a concern for him and Catherine. Prince William mentioned that he and Catherine often handle school runs, humorously referring to himself as a "taxi driver." This hands-on approach reflects their commitment to being present in their children's lives.

Earthshot Prize and Environmental Initiatives

During his visit to Brazil for the Earthshot Prize, Prince William expressed pride in the progress made in environmental efforts. He stated that the decade ahead is crucial for creating a lasting legacy in climate action. "We're halfway through the ten years that we've identified as the decade of change," he noted. The Earthshot Prize recognizes innovative solutions to environmental challenges, with winners this year including projects focused on restoring tropical forests and promoting global ocean treaties. Following the event, officials announced that Prince William would be honored as an honorary citizen of Rio de Janeiro, known as a carioca.