Speaking in Rio de Janeiro while attending the Earthshot Prize, the Prince of Wales described how he and the Princess of Wales have spoken with their three children about the difficult events of the past two years, including Catherine and King Charles receiving cancer diagnoses. He said the couple now lean toward being more open with their children because concealing things often makes matters worse.
William, at the event held in Brazil for the first time, said every family finds its own way to handle hardship and that timing and tone matter. Parents can worry about oversharing, he said, but they have found that explaining feelings and the reasons behind decisions helps the children understand and eases anxiety about hidden information. As he put it, unanswered questions often create more worry, and parenting is a constant balancing act without a manual.
The prince and princess are raising Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven. The Princess of Wales announced she was in remission earlier this year, while King Charles continues to undergo treatment.
William also noted that their children do not have mobile phones yet. George may be given one with restricted access when he starts secondary school, reflecting the couple’s concerns about internet exposure and unsuitable content. He said either he or Catherine usually handles the school run and joked that they effectively double as taxi drivers.
On the Earthshot Prize, William said the event represents the halfway point of a ten-year ‘decade of change’ aimed at protecting and restoring the planet. He acknowledged progress but stressed there is more work to do. This year’s winners included projects focused on restoring tropical forests and a global ocean treaty initiative. Following the Rio visit, local officials announced plans to make Prince William an honorary citizen of the city, a carioca.
