Additional Coverage:
Princess Kate reportedly insisted on breaking royal tradition after the birth of her first child to ensure some private family time. According to royal author Christopher Andersen, the Princess of Wales requested that the official announcement of Prince George’s arrival in July 2013 be postponed by several hours to allow the new family a chance to enjoy the moment away from the public eye.
Prince George was born at 4:24 p.m. on July 22, but Buckingham Palace delayed the announcement until later that evening. Andersen’s book, Kate!: The Courage, Grace, and Power of the Woman Who Will Be Queen, reveals that this was a conscious decision by Kate, supported by Prince William.
“It was customary to proclaim a royal birth to the waiting world without delay,” Andersen notes. “But Princess Kate insisted, with her husband’s backing, that the Palace wait four hours so that they could savor the moment in private ‘as any young family would.’”
This desire for privacy has remained a priority for the royal couple as their family has grown. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has described William as “much more a protective husband and dad than a King in waiting.”
She explained to The Mirror that after a turbulent childhood, William is committed to providing stability for his family and fiercely guards their privacy. Bond added that their current residence, an eight-bedroom mansion called Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, offers far more seclusion than traditional royal residences located in busy tourist areas.
Despite facing significant challenges over recent years, including Princess Kate’s health battle, the mother of three is reportedly feeling well and energized. Kate is preparing for her first solo overseas engagement since announcing her cancer diagnosis. This week, she will travel to Reggio Emilia, Italy, to work with The Royal Foundation Center for Early Childhood.
Kate revealed she went into remission earlier this year after undergoing chemotherapy for an undisclosed cancer diagnosed in early 2024. She has gradually resumed her royal duties, including supporting King Charles III during state visits and participating in recent commemorative events such as the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth and the Anzac Day Cenotaph ceremony.