Royal Expert Says Prince William Made a "Conscious and Unabashed Choice" to Be Different Than King Charles in One Way

June 23, 2026 - 06:19

Prince William has made a "conscious and unabashed choice" to parent his children differently than King Charles did with him, according to a former BBC royal correspondent. Jennie Bond, who covered the monarchy for years, said the Prince of Wales is deliberately breaking from tradition when it comes to raising Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

"This is where he has drawn a distinct line between himself and his father," Bond explained in a recent interview. She noted that William prioritizes hands-on, present fatherhood, something that was less common in the royal household during Charles's upbringing. The king, by contrast, was often away on royal duties and adhered to a more formal, distant style of parenting that was typical of the era.

Bond pointed out that William and his wife, Catherine, have made a point of being visible in their children's daily lives, from school drop-offs to family outings. The prince has spoken openly about the importance of emotional support and stability, values he says were shaped by his own experiences. While Charles has acknowledged his shortcomings as a father in the past, Bond emphasized that William's approach is a deliberate shift.

The expert added that William's choice reflects a broader modernization of the monarchy, where younger royals are redefining what it means to balance duty with family life. "He is unabashed about putting his children first," Bond said, noting that this marks a significant departure from the past.