Like a princess from a Disney movie, royal insiders are accusing Kate Middleton and Prince William of keeping their eldest son Prince George, 12, “under lock and key.” Not literally like Mother Gothel from Tangled or Lady Tremaine from Cinderella, but figuratively — as in, keeping him hidden from the public eye.
Royal commentator Katie Nicholl recently told Express that the British people need a chance to “fall in love” with Prince George ahead of him inheriting the throne one day. However, his parents are wary.
More from SheKnows
“William doesn’t want George to have the same level of exposure he and Prince Harry had as kids, so it has to be done very carefully,” she explained, adding, “William has the sense to know that the public needs to fall in love with George as a youngster.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 15: Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales during Trooping the Colour at Buckingham Palace on June 15, 2024 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial parade celebrating the official birthday of the British Monarch. The event features over 1,400 soldiers and officers, accompanied by 200 horses. More than 400 musicians from ten different bands and Corps of Drums march and perform in perfect harmony. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
“He has to have a presence, and he can’t be kept under lock and key and only introduced when he’s 18,” she continued.
It does seem like the Prince and Princess of Wales are taking that request into consideration, as they have brought Prince George out for more public appearances. Just last month, the young royal made his debut at the Festival of Remembrance with his mom, where they coordinated their fashions in black with red flowers over their hearts for the somber occasion.
TOPSHOT – (L-R) Britain’s Prince George of Wales and Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales attend The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance event at the Royal Albert Hall, in London, on November 8, 2025 ahead of Remembrance Day commemorations. (Photo by Jack Taylor / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JACK TAYLOR/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
George also attended the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London in May, where he chatted with World War II veterans and respectfully listened and asked questions. Royal author Robert Hardman commented on George’s inclusion for this event at the time, in an interview with Hello!
“It’s all part of a slow, incremental move towards his destiny.” Hardman said, adding that Prince William and Middleton have “always been very clear about pacing it, not making the children do anything that puts them off the idea of being royal in the future. It’s a case of including him in things that he’ll enjoy but that also touch on his life to come.”
Another way Prince George is growing up? He may get his own phone soon. While in an interview with a Brazilian TV host, Prince William opened up about kids and phones. “It is really hard. Our children don’t have phones,” he said, referring to George and his younger siblings Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. “When George moves onto secondary school [in fall 2026], maybe he’ll have one with limited access.”
Growing up as a royal can’t be easy, but Prince William and Kate Middleton seem to be doing their best to keep their kids as grounded as possible.
Before you go, check out all the times Prince George showed he’ll be a great king one day.
Best of SheKnows
Sign up for SheKnows’ Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.