“Hiding Stuff from Them Doesn’t Work,” Says the Prince of Wales
During his recent trip to Brazil for the Earthshot Prize awards, Prince William candidly discussed how he and Catherine, Princess of Wales, approached conversations with their children about her cancer diagnosis and treatment. The Prince emphasized the importance of open communication, noting that “most of the time, hiding stuff from them doesn’t work.”
Open Conversations Amid Family Challenges
Speaking with Brazilian television host Luciano Huck, Prince William reflected on the “very tough” past two years, during which both his wife, Princess Kate, and his father, King Charles III, faced cancer diagnoses.
Acknowledging that “every family has its own challenges,” the Prince explained that he and Catherine “chose to communicate a lot more” with their three children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.
“Sometimes you feel you’re oversharing with the children,” he said, “but most of the time, hiding stuff from them doesn’t work. We talk about how we’re feeling and share different viewpoints so they aren’t anxious about unanswered questions.” He added, “It’s always a balancing act — every parent knows that. There’s no manual for being a parent, you’ve just got to go with instinct.”
Princess Kate’s Journey and Recovery
In March 2024, Princess Kate publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis, sharing that she and Prince William took time to explain the situation to their children before announcing it to the world.
After completing her treatment in September 2024, the Princess of Wales announced in early 2025 that she was in remission. The update brought relief and gratitude across the UK and beyond, with Prince William later confirming that
“everything is progressing in the right way.”
Parenting, Technology, and Everyday Life
In the same conversation, Prince William also touched on everyday parenting challenges — from school runs to screen time. Jokingly referring to himself as a “taxi driver,” he shared that he and Catherine alternate school drop-offs and pick-ups.
He also reiterated that their children do not yet have phones. “It’s becoming a bit of a tense issue,” he admitted, noting that Prince George may soon receive a phone with limited access when he begins secondary school. “It’s the internet access I have a problem with. I think children can access too much stuff they don’t need to see online.”
Earthshot Prize and Legacy
Prince William was in Brazil to celebrate the fifth edition of the Earthshot Prize — an initiative he founded to promote innovative environmental solutions. Speaking about the milestone, he said,
“We’re halfway through the decade of change. If we want to leave a lasting legacy and really change the way we protect and restore the planet, we have to do it now.”
Winners of this year’s Earthshot Prize included initiatives focused on tropical forest restoration and global ocean conservation. Following his visit, officials in Rio de Janeiro announced that Prince William would be made an honorary citizen of the city.
A Message of Openness and Strength
Prince William’s reflections highlight the power of openness, empathy, and shared strength within families navigating illness. His candid approach underscores a growing movement among public figures to speak transparently about health and emotional well-being, reminding the world that even in royal households, compassion and communication remain at the heart of healing.
The Princess of Wales thanks The Royal Marsden for looking after her during her battle with cancer
Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD