Prince William shared insights on discussing difficult family moments with his children. His comments come amid personal challenges faced by the royal family, including cancer diagnoses.

At a glance

Communication with Children

During an interview in Brazil, Prince William emphasized the importance of open communication with his children regarding challenging family situations. He noted that hiding information often leads to more anxiety among children. "We choose to communicate a lot more with our children," he stated, highlighting the need for transparency. He explained that every family faces unique challenges and that the approach to discussing these issues varies. "It's very individual and sort of moment-dependent," he said. The prince believes that providing children with context helps them understand their feelings better.

Balancing Honesty and Sensitivity

Prince William acknowledged the difficulty of balancing honesty with sensitivity when discussing tough topics. "How much do I say? What do I say? When do I say it?" he questioned, recognizing that there is no definitive guide to parenting. He aims to create an environment where his children feel comfortable asking questions. He also mentioned that oversharing can be a concern, but ultimately, he believes that explaining situations helps alleviate anxiety. "There's a lot more questions when there's no answers," he added, reinforcing the importance of dialogue.

Family Life and Technology

In addition to discussing serious topics, Prince William addressed the issue of technology in their family life. He revealed that his children do not have phones, a decision he described as challenging. "It's getting to the point where it's becoming a little bit of a tense issue," he said, indicating that he and Catherine communicate the reasons behind this choice. He expressed concerns about children's access to inappropriate content online, emphasizing the need for parental guidance. "I think children can access too much stuff they don't need to see online," he remarked.

Earthshot Prize and Environmental Commitment

Prince William's visit to Brazil was also to celebrate the fifth Earthshot Prize, which he founded to promote environmental initiatives. He expressed optimism about the progress made in environmental leadership during the decade of change. "Am I pleased with the progress the Earthshot has made? Yes," he stated, while acknowledging that more work remains. The Earthshot Prize awards winners who present innovative solutions to environmental challenges. This year's recipients included projects focused on restoring tropical forests and a global ocean treaty initiative. Following the event, it was announced that Prince William would be made an honorary citizen of Rio de Janeiro.

Future Goals and Legacy

Looking ahead, Prince William emphasized the importance of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. He believes that the current decade is crucial for making significant changes in how society protects and restores the planet. "If we want to leave a lasting legacy, we have to do it in this decade of change," he concluded.