Growing up in a palace might seem like the ultimate fairytale, but as Prince William revealed in a recent interview, royal life is far from all glam and grandeur. While there is undoubtedly an air of formality and duty that comes with being part of the British royal family, William shared some heartwarming details that show the more playful side of royal childhoods. In an episode of The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, Prince William opened up about a fun tradition that he experienced as a child, one that has been passed down to his own kids, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. And it’s every bit as fun as we imagined it to be.
During the interview, the Prince of Wales took Levy on a tour of Windsor Castle, a residence he holds dear due to many cherished memories from his youth. One of his favorite spots in the castle is St. George’s Hall, where he recalled running through the grand halls as a child, chasing his cousins and playing games. “My cousins and I and the family would chase each other up and down here and play silly games,” William reminisced. He fondly remembered how the wooden floors, now covered with carpets, used to give the children splinters. “When you went running off, you’d end up coming away with an enormous splinter,” he laughed, recalling how they would all stop to tend to an injured foot during their energetic games. It’s a picture of childhood innocence that, despite the royal backdrop, sounds very much like any other family gathering.
The image of royal children running through palace halls, getting splinters and laughing it off, brings a refreshing sense of normalcy to the otherwise polished world of royalty. And it’s clear that Prince William has passed this tradition of fun onto his own children. “Now it’s a lot easier,” William said with a smile, noting that his kids no longer have to worry about splinters, thanks to the modern carpets covering the old wooden floors. “My children don’t realize how lucky they are. They’ve got a big old carpet. They can run down and there’s no splinters.” Even with all the grandeur of their surroundings, William’s children are still allowed to enjoy some of the carefree pleasures of childhood—running around, playing, and perhaps even getting a little rowdy, just like their dad did as a boy.
William’s lightheartedness as a father was also apparent when he talked about spending time with his kids after hours at Windsor Castle. He revealed that they sometimes have fun chasing each other around the castle in the evenings, a moment that shows a more playful side of the prince. “My kids help keep my youthful spirit alive,” he shared, proving that despite his royal responsibilities, he knows how to let loose and enjoy life with his children. It’s a far cry from the more formal public persona often associated with the monarchy and gives a glimpse into the loving, down-to-earth family life that William and Kate Middleton are nurturing at home.
This theme of enjoying simple pleasures continues outside the walls of Windsor Castle, as an insider revealed that the Wales family enjoys weekly pub trivia nights. According to the source, the quiz is “very tricky but also a lot of fun,” and although it’s unclear whether the royal family ever wins first prize, it’s clear that they value this time spent together. The trivia nights provide a rare opportunity for Prince William, Kate, and their children to enjoy a little friendly competition, away from the media spotlight, and engage in something that’s both fun and bonding.
This sense of lightheartedness and playfulness is also reflected in how Prince William talks about his children. When asked if Prince Louis was “a bit of a handful,” the prince diplomatically replied, “He’s a character, but he’s a very good boy.” William also noted the differences in personality between Louis and George, despite the five-year age gap, and hinted that behind closed doors, their family dynamic is much more relaxed than the formal royal image often portrayed in public. “Behind closed doors it’s a completely different ball game,” he said, reinforcing the idea that, like any other family, the Waleses enjoy a rich and varied family life that balances moments of joy, play, and, of course, love.
In an era where the royal family is often under scrutiny for their public image, it’s refreshing to see the personal side of Prince William and his family. From running around the halls of Windsor Castle to enjoying a quiet evening at the pub, they are embracing normal, joyful moments that reflect the core values of family. These candid glimpses into their life show that, despite their royal status, the Wales family knows how to keep things fun, grounded, and full of love. And as Prince William continues to raise his children with a healthy mix of tradition and play, one can only hope that this light-hearted approach to family life will be a hallmark of the monarchy for years to come.
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