The Princess of Wales adopted a relaxed approach during a visit to Wimbledon on July 12, 2026, where she introduced her two eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, to rising tennis star Arthur Fery. The family was in attendance at the men’s singles final, witnessing Jannik Sinner’s victory for the second consecutive year from their seats in the Royal Box.
Before the match commenced, Kate Middleton took the opportunity to warmly greet ball boys, girls, officials, and others present at the event. Footage captured during these encounters showed the princess eschewing formal titles, simply referring to her children as “George” and “Charlotte” while engaging with Fery. This touch of informality is characteristic of the family, notably in their interactions outside of official settings.
Since King Charles ascended to the throne in 2022, the royal family has been in the spotlight, especially the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children. William and Kate’s three offspring—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8—have held royal titles since birth, along with the designation of “His/Her Royal Highness.” However, they often refrain from using these full titles in daily life.
At school, the children typically use “Wales” as their surname, in accordance with royal tradition, mirroring the practices of previous generations. Prince William and Prince Harry, for example, used “William Wales” and “Harry Wales” during their educational years, reflecting their father’s title at the time.
Kate and William are known for their informal demeanour, often encouraging a down-to-earth environment for their family. Instances have emerged where they do not mind being addressed casually. Ellie Mae-Coleman recalled an encounter where she referred to Prince William simply as “Will.” The prince responded light-heartedly, telling her, “Don’t worry, that’s my name!” Such anecdotes highlight their intention to portray a more relatable royal image.
Moreover, the couple has made efforts to facilitate comfortable interactions during public engagements. Guests at Centrepoint charity lunches with the royals receive laminated cards outlining proper etiquette, including how to address them. The instructions encourage addressing William as “Your Royal Highness” initially, followed by “Sir” or “Ma’am,” showcasing the playful atmosphere the couple fosters, as William has been known to joke about the guidelines with attendees.
The relatively informal upbringing is a deliberate choice by William and Kate, who strive to provide their children with a sense of normalcy amid their royal status. An insider reportedly commented, “Those children look pretty happy with life. A lot of it is the stabilising normality Kate brings—and that’s how she grew up.” Such insights suggest that William cherishes this balance between royal duties and family time.
Kate Middleton, who did not grow up in an aristocratic environment, has expressed a keen understanding of the significance of familial bonds. An insider remarked, “Coming from a different background, she appreciates the importance of having family time,” further underscoring their intention to ensure that their children enjoy a grounded upbringing.
As the royal family continues to adapt and evolve under King Charles’ reign, the casual interactions observed at Wimbledon reflect a broader commitment to allowing their children to embrace their royal identity while leading a life infused with normalcy. With their approach, William and Kate aim to prepare Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis for the future, allowing them to enjoy their childhood amid the expectations that come with their titles. The Prince and Princess of Wales thus emerge as exemplars of modern royalty, blending tradition with a relatable family atmosphere.