It is a weird thing, being the most famous children on the planet. Most of us spent our Tuesday nights at that age trying to avoid eating broccoli or negotiating for ten more minutes of Minecraft. For Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, "normal" involves balcony appearances at Buckingham Palace and knowing exactly where the "hidden" TV monitors are located behind the stone balustrades.
Honestly, the public image of these three is often reduced to a series of memes. You’ve seen the photos: George looking like a miniature, serious businessman; Charlotte gracefully keeping her brothers in line; and Louis—well, Louis being a chaotic legend with a gap-toothed smile.
But behind the staged photographs and the polished wool coats, there is a lot more going on. As we move into 2026, the family is hitting some massive milestones that are changing the way they live. They recently moved into Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, and if you think it’s all gold leaf and servants, you haven't been paying attention to how Kate and William are actually raising them.
The Big Secondary School "Tension"
Everyone is obsessed with where Prince George is going to school next. He turns 13 in July 2026, which is basically the "end of an era" for the trio at Lambrook. For years, all three have been at the same school, but that’s about to break.
The rumor mill is spinning between Eton College (William’s old stomping ground) and Marlborough College (Kate’s alma mater). It’s a huge decision. Eton is all-boys and very traditional; Marlborough is co-ed and arguably a bit more "modern" in its social approach.
But here is the detail that actually matters: the phone.
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Prince William admitted during a recent trip to Brazil that the "cell phone issue" is becoming a bit of a tense topic at home. George wants one. Most 12-year-olds do. The word is that he might finally get a handset when he starts secondary school this fall, but it’ll likely be a "brick"—no internet, just calls and texts. Imagine being second in line to the throne and you can't even scroll TikTok.
Why George, Charlotte, and Louis Aren't "Pigeonholed"
Kate Middleton recently hosted the England women’s rugby team at Windsor Castle—her first solo gig of 2026—and she dropped some gems about their backyard life. She’s a big believer in not "pigeonholing" the kids.
Basically, she doesn't want Charlotte stuck with a dance ribbon while the boys get the mud.
- Prince George is apparently a beast on the rugby pitch. Kate joked that she "does not want to get tackled" by him anymore because he’s getting too strong.
- Princess Charlotte is the runner of the family. She’s obsessed with the 400m and hurdles. She’s also a gymnastics fanatic.
- Prince Louis is currently doing touch rugby, but his real passion? Collecting conkers.
Kate admitted they find conkers everywhere—in cupboards, in the kids' beds, in the bottom of toy trucks. It’s that kind of detail that makes you realize their life at Forest Lodge is probably a lot messier than the Christmas cards suggest.
The "Spare" Dynamic is Being Rewritten
We’ve all seen what happens when the "heir and the spare" dynamic goes south. William and Kate are reportedly hyper-aware of this. Royal historian Robert Hardman recently noted that the parents are working overtime to ensure Charlotte and Louis never feel "less relevant" than George.
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It’s a tough balance. George has to go to special tea parties with veterans to "learn the ropes," while Louis gets to stay home and play the drums—a hobby William jokingly called a "nightmare" for parents.
But you can see the bond during public events. At the 2025 Trooping the Colour, Louis was seen whispering constantly to George, making the usually stoic future king crack a smile. There’s a natural ease there now. They aren't just three kids in a lineup; they are a unit.
A Historic 2026 Trip to America?
If you’re in the U.S., you might see them sooner than you think. There are "in progress" plans for the whole family to visit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
George is a massive soccer fan (Aston Villa, specifically). Seeing a match in Los Angeles or New Jersey would be a huge "coming out" moment for the kids on the international stage. It’s also the 250th anniversary of the U.S., and there is talk of a July 4th visit.
What This Means for the Future of the Monarchy
The "Wales Way" of parenting is a massive departure from the past. No more "minimal contact" or stiff upper lips. They are hands-on. Kate is a stickler for the school run, and William is the one arguing about screen time.
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By keeping the kids "filthy dirty" in the countryside (Kate’s words), they are building a foundation that isn't just based on duty, but on actually liking each other.
What to watch for next:
- The School Announcement: Expect the news about George's secondary school to drop at the "eleventh hour" in late summer 2026 to avoid a media circus.
- The World Cup Debut: Keep an eye on the summer schedule; a U.S. tour would be the first time all three children travel to America.
- The Digital Transition: Whether George gets that "no-internet" phone will be the first major test of how the royals handle the modern age.
The transition from "the cute royal kids" to "the future of the firm" is happening right now. It's less about the crowns and more about the hurdles, the rugby tackles, and the conkers in the bedsheets.
Next Steps for Royal Observers
To stay updated on the family’s transition to their new home at Forest Lodge, you should follow the official social media channels of the Prince and Princess of Wales. They’ve moved toward sharing more candid, behind-the-scenes video content—like the Will Warr films—which offer the most authentic glimpse into George, Charlotte, and Louis' daily lives. Focus on the upcoming Easter and Summer break periods, as these are typically when the family releases new milestones or "back-to-nature" updates.