Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis may only be 11, 10 and seven respectively, but the Prince and Princess of Wales are already laying the foundations for their future royal lives – and doing so with remarkable care.
Today, the children sent a charming birthday message to their father on social media, accompanied by a relaxed, informal photograph taken by Princess Kate.
The image – featuring Prince William with their family dog Orla and a litter of puppies – was warm, personal and deliberately unpolished.
The message was signed: “Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!” – a playful nod to the increasing sense of agency the children are being allowed to project.
Charlotte, Louis and George edge closer to royal life as William and Kate make significant shift.
PA / Josh Shinner
It’s the second time in just over a week that George, Charlotte and Louis have been allowed to speak directly to the public via a social media post.
On Father’s Day, they shared two photographs, taken by photographer Josh Shinner, with the caption: “Happy Father’s Day, Papa (before and after!) We love you! G, C & L” – a message that charmed followers and hinted at the careful media training already underway.
These two social media posts mark a subtle but significant evolution in the Waleses' approach to royal parenting.
Over the past year, William and Kate have slowly started to open up their children’s public profiles, without compromising their privacy.
George, Charlotte and Louis wished their father a happy birthday on social media.
Princess of Wales
Last month, George quietly undertook his first royal engagement at a Buckingham Palace tea party marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Charlotte and Louis were notably absent – a decision that underlines the Prince and Princess of Wales's instinct to protect their younger children from the scrutiny that inevitably accompanies royal life.
The choice reflects Kate and William’s careful approach to gradually introducing Charlotte and Louis — who are unlikely to inherit the throne — to the public arena on their own terms.
Yet it seems inevitable that, over the next few years, all three Wales children will begin appearing more regularly at royal events.
Charlotte, Louis and George could be seen wishing their father a Happy Father's Day.
Josh Shinner
As heirs to the throne, the expectation to serve will come earlier for George. However, Charlotte and Louis will likely be gradually introduced to official duties in a similarly measured way.
What’s clear is that William and Kate are not relying on traditional methods. Rather than formal Palace portraits or stiff interviews, they are embracing informal, family-focused content that speaks directly to the public.
By releasing photographs themselves and allowing the children to sign off on posts, the Waleses are taking charge of their narrative, letting the public in just enough, while shielding their children from excessive scrutiny.
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Prince George and Princess Kate pictured at a Buckingham Palace tea party.
PA
The result is a modern model of royal visibility, rooted in authenticity rather than obligation. It’s a strategy that humanises the Wales children while still offering protection, allowing glimpses of their personalities, but on the family’s own terms.
This carefully managed exposure will prove crucial in the years to come. With a slimmed-down monarchy and increasing demands on the next generation, George, Charlotte, and Louis will likely be expected to shoulder more public responsibilities in future.
But for now, Kate and William are keeping their childhoods intact, allowing them to grow into the roles they were born into, on their own time.
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