Prince William and Princess Kate may represent a modern generation of royals, but when it comes to parenting, they’ve drawn a clear boundary — their children don’t have mobile phones. Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, are being raised without personal devices, a decision the Prince and Princess of Wales say is intentional and protective.
While filming Apple TV’s The Reluctant Traveler in early 2025, Prince William shared with host Eugene Levy that none of his children own phones, adding that he and Catherine are “very strict” about the rule.
Though some might view this approach as outdated, parenting expert Jo Frost strongly disagrees. She describes the Waleses’ stance as a thoughtful, evidence-based choice rooted in modern child development research. According to Frost, limiting screen time isn’t about resisting progress — it’s about leading with awareness in a world saturated by technology.
Kate herself has spoken openly about the downsides of constant digital connection. In her essay The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World, co-written with Professor Robert Waldinger, she reflected on how devices often fragment attention and weaken real-world relationships, leaving people physically present but emotionally disengaged.
Research, Frost explains, shows that early and excessive access to personal devices can disrupt focus, emotional regulation, sleep, and social development. Delaying phone ownership, she says, is an act of protection — not deprivation.
Prince William has acknowledged that the issue may become more complicated as George grows older. He has suggested that his eldest son might receive a basic phone without internet access when he starts secondary school, emphasizing that his main concern is unrestricted online exposure.
While some royal relatives have admitted giving in to peer pressure, William and Kate remain firm. Their goal, experts say, is to prioritize connection, imagination, and resilience — ensuring their children grow up grounded, confident, and secure beyond the glow of a screen.
