Prince William is speaking from the heart — and he’s not holding back. In a rare and refreshingly honest conversation, the future King opened up about the kind of royal future he and Kate Middleton want for their children — one built on kindness, purpose, and balance, not outdated traditions or royal pressure. William admits he’s “quite frank” about wanting change — not just for the monarchy, but for George, Charlotte, and Louis. The couple hopes to raise their kids with normality, emotional intelligence, and compassion at the center of their royal lives. No phones, less formality, and more genuine connection. After a difficult year marked by family health challenges, William’s words feel even more powerful: “I want my children to be proud of what we do — and to know it makes a difference.” It’s a new chapter for the royal family — one that feels more human, more hopeful, and more in tune with the world today
Prince William is ‘Quite Frank’ About the Changes He and Kate Middleton Envision for Their Children’s Royal Future
In a rare and candid conversation that offers a glimpse of the direction he hopes to take the monarchy, Prince William has opened up about the reforms he and Catherine, Princess of Wales, wish to see in the royal institution—and how they hope to shape the lives of their children in the process.
A New Monarchy, Rooted in Tradition but Tuned for the Future
Speaking with Eugene Levy for the Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveler, William was frank about the need for a monarchy that evolves without losing its foundations. He described his aspirations as “change for the good” when his time comes. The Guardian+1
He said he wants a royal institution that is “more accessible, more approachable,” one that feels emotionally grounded and better connected to everyday people. People.com+1
William stressed that change need not be radical, but insisted that certain customs and practices merit reexamination. “I want to question things more,” he told Levy. The Guardian
He acknowledged that tradition has a powerful role to play—ceremonies such as the coronation, Trooping the Colour and other formal observances should remain. But he also emphasized that traditions must be evaluated to see whether they still “fit for purpose” today. thenewdaily.com.au+2The Guardian+2
Preparing the Next Generation—but Protecting Them Too
Central to William and Kate’s vision is how their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will inherit and live out that future monarchy.
No Mobile Phones (For Now)
One of the more striking revelations: the three children currently do not possess mobile phones. William said this is a deliberate choice to create a “healthy, happy and stable” home environment. The Times+1
He indicated that this approach is part of a wider effort to shield them from the kind of media intrusion and pressure he and his brother experienced growing up. “I’ll do everything I can to make sure we don’t regress in that situation,” he said. People.com+3thenewdaily.com.au+3The Guardian+3
A Sense of Purpose—and Pride
William is keen that his children understand both the privilege and responsibility that come with their royal roles. He said:
“I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact people’s lives for the better.” The Guardian+1
He has also referenced wanting to avoid repeating past practices that may have been harmful. His goal is a monarchy his children want to embrace—not one they feel burdened by. The Guardian+2thenewdaily.com.au+2
Privacy, Pressure, and Protecting the Family
William didn’t shy away from addressing the darker side of royal life: intrusive media, relentless scrutiny, and personal stress.
He revealed how 2024 was one of the toughest years of his life—with both Kate and King Charles undergoing cancer treatments—and acknowledged the pressure it placed on the family. The Guardian+3thenewdaily.com.au+3People.com+3
He stressed his determination to draw stronger boundaries with the press. “I take a very strong line about where I think that line is, and those who overstep it … I’ll fight against,” he said. thenewdaily.com.au
He also admitted to feeling more confident now in his royal role than he did when younger, saying that with age and experience, he feels better prepared to absorb curveballs and lead with purpose. thenewdaily.com.au+1
While William affirms that tradition still has its place, he clearly sees the need for adaptation. The key challenge will be navigating the balance between preserving the institution’s heritage and allowing for meaningful reform—all while protecting the next generation from the pitfalls of public life.
For now, William and Kate appear to be laying the groundwork quietly—reinforcing family stability, pushing for emotional openness, and shaping a monarchy that feels more connected, relevant, and humane.
The episode of The Reluctant Traveler featuring William launches this week. It may offer further insight into not only how he sees the future of the monarchy, but also how he sees himself within it.
