Prince William is firmly supporting Kate Middleton as she continues to grapple with fears tied to her 2012 leaked photos, worried that her children may someday stumble across the images online. According to a new report from Radar Online, the couple has become increasingly committed to setting strict boundaries around cellphone and internet use for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Friends of William told the outlet that he vividly remembers how deeply the illegally taken topless photos — published by a French magazine more than a decade ago — affected Kate. The insider said William is determined to protect their children from the internet’s more toxic corners.
“William saw how much the exposure of those topless photos devastated Kate, and he doesn’t want his kids anywhere near the toxic side of the Internet – the trolling, the gossip, or the cruel curiosity that still surrounds those images,” the source explained.
The couple’s stance on technology recently resurfaced after William shared new insight while speaking with Brazilian TV host Luciano Huck at the Cop30 summit in Rio. William said their children are not allowed to have cellphones. “Our children don’t have phones. And to be honest, it’s getting to the point where it’s becoming a little bit of a tense issue,” he said.
He added that a limited device without internet access may be considered for George once he starts secondary school. “We communicate why we don’t think it’s right. It’s the internet access I have a problem with.” Insiders say the protective approach is also influenced by the continued scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew and his past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
The couple is reportedly determined to shield their children from online gossip, speculation, and the harsh curiosity that comes with royal scandals. Another source told Radar Online that Kate’s views on smartphones extend beyond safety concerns. “The Princess of Wales has been very clear – smartphones drive families apart. William and Kate believe children should be talking and connecting, not glued to screens,” they said.
For Kate, the rules are shaped by personal experience. The insider added, “Kate is determined that her children grow up grounded and shielded from the same invasive world that once hurt her. For her, this isn’t simply a rule – it’s a way of keeping them safe.”
As the Welsh children grow older and peer pressure increases, William and Kate know the challenge will become greater. But for now, the couple remains united in their decision to delay phone access and preserve as much of their children’s privacy as possible.