The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very strict when it comes to their children’s presents

Let’s hope there’s no disappointments on Christmas day

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, their children, plus Prince Charles and Camilla, waving to the public.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, their children, plus Prince Charles and Camilla, waving to the public.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Let’s hope there’s no disappointments on Christmas day

As many parents scramble to purchase the toys at the top of their kid’s Christmas lists this year, a royal expert has suggested that Prince William and Kate Middleton will be taking a different approach.

Speaking to OK!, Katie Nicholl explained that the Duke and Duchess prefer “practical gifts” for their children George, 8, Charlotte, 6, and Louis, 3.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge standing outside their home.

The royal expert said: "George enjoys his iPad at school, both he and Charlotte are quite tech-savvy and, like most children, there probably are technical gadgets and such like on their wish list. I'm sure they're not going to want for anything, but when it comes to technology and screens, they are careful not to spoil them with extravagant gifting."

Katie also suggested the kinds of gifts the Cambridge’s would be buying their kids. "If it is something that happens to be a computer game or something like that then they are cautious of screen time so it could be a more practical gift,” she said. "One year William gave Kate a pair of binoculars, so that's the sort of gift they appreciate. It's something that can be used outdoors or something that will last forever and isn't just a passing phase or fad."

Meanwhile, the children’s maternal grandmother Carole Middleton has hinted at the fun-filled Christmas that she is planning for them.

Underneath a photo of two Santa toys on the Party Pieces Instagram page — the party accessory business which she runs — Carole wrote: "I'm going to need a few of these cheeky chaps this December, to hide around the house and make my grandchildren laugh. As much as I love immaculate decorations, we can’t be too serious at Christmas!”

It sounds like the three young royals are in for a treat after all.

A photo posted by on

Kate Hollowood
Kate Hollowood is a freelance journalist and writes about a range of topics for Marie Claire UK, from reports on royal news and current affairs to features on health, careers and relationships. Based in London, Kate has also written for titles like the i paper, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan and It’s Nice That.