While most parents read bedtime stories to their children, the heir to the British throne takes a different approach. Instead of tales of the past, Prince William tells his children stories about the future and their role in creating it.
During a speech at the Earthshot Prize environmental summit in Rio de Janeiro, the Prince of Wales revealed the secrets of his family's evening rituals. He explained that his nightly conversations with George, Charlotte, and Louis are not just goodnight wishes. He tries to instill a foundation of confidence in the children for the future.
"I tell them that the best times are ahead," William admitted. "I explain that thanks to smart and talented people, our planet will become healthier. Everything will be fine. Your future can be as bright as our past. That’s what I love to talk about with them when they are already in bed."
Behind the Scenes of Royal Childhood
Previously, the Prince of Wales and his wife, Kate Middleton, have acknowledged that environmental education in the family is not just empty words. The children are taught from an early age to sort waste, conserve water, and turn off lights behind them.
"Every family contributes in their own way," says the prince. The royal family sets an example that caring for nature starts small.
Apparently, George, Charlotte, and Louis's childhood is not just about discussions on ecology and the global future. Prince William and Kate Middleton have chosen a practical and modern approach to raising their three children, based on mutual respect and clear boundaries. The couple is against strict punishments and does not accept raised voices. If one of the children misbehaves, the royal parents prefer a calm conversation.
The atmosphere in the family is genuinely warm. As noted by those close to them, Kate often hugs and kisses the children so that they grow up with a sense of unconditional love and security.
The parents are also gradually teaching the children responsibility and the ability to make their own decisions — at least, that is how they describe it.
Alongside their studies at the prestigious Lambrook School, William and Catherine's children find time for hobbies that reveal their individuality. George loves football, tennis, and shows an interest in aviation, Charlotte is crazy about dancing and also finds time for crafts, while Louis enjoys video games, trampoline jumping, and is interested in playing percussion instruments. And although, like their peers, the children enjoy watching television, Kate limits screen time, encouraging instead active outdoor play and face-to-face communication.
Soon, the family will experience changes — moving to a new spacious home in Windsor Park.
More Than an Award
The heir to the British throne opened up about his parenting methods during the Earthshot Prize 2025 award ceremony. The award, established in 2020 by Prince William and the Royal Foundation, aims to find and support innovative solutions to global environmental problems.
This year, 15 finalists were chosen from 2,400 applications, and winners in five categories will receive $1.3 million each to develop their projects.
Thus, Prince William directly links his nightly conversations with his children to a larger mission — not just to reassure them, but to show that the best minds on the planet are working on creating that bright future, which he supports.
