Prince William determined to give George, Charlotte and Louis the childhood he never had

Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have returned to Lambrook School for the autumn term, marking their final year together at the same school before George moves on to Eton College. Behind the scenes, Prince William and Kate Middleton are planning a major move to a new home at Windsor, part of William’s effort to give his children a more stable childhood than the one he experienced.

Over the summer, the three children enjoyed time away from public duties with their parents at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. George and Charlotte joined their parents at Wimbledon in July, while Louis, still considered a bit young for such events, was last seen in late August attending a church service in Scotland near Balmoral.

At public appearances, including the Trooping the Colour in July, Louis once again entertained crowds with his playful expressions—a reminder of how the youngest Wales sibling often lightens formal royal occasions.

As the children return to school, attention is turning to what lies ahead for the Wales family. According to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, William and Kate are delaying conversations about the children’s future roles for as long as possible, choosing instead to prioritize stability.

“William is focused on creating a stable and private family life—the kind he never had when he was growing up,” Bond told GB News. She added that William describes his approach as “royalty with a small ‘r,’” emphasizing normalcy over strict royal tradition.

Preparing for a new home

That philosophy is reflected in the family’s upcoming move. After two years at Adelaide Cottage, the Waleses are preparing to settle into Forest Lodge, a larger Windsor property with eight bedrooms. The decision comes during a difficult period for the family as Kate continues cancer treatment.

A royal source told the BBC that the move represents “an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter,” offering the chance to leave behind some of the harder memories associated with recent years.

William and Kate reportedly see Forest Lodge as their “forever home,” planning to remain there even when they become king and queen. In keeping with their preference for privacy, no staff will live on-site, and the couple is funding the renovations themselves.

Prince George, who turns 13 next year, is expected to begin at Eton College in 2025, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle. For now, however, William and Kate are intent on ensuring all three children enjoy as normal a childhood as possible—something William has long said was missing from his own early years.