London, December 23, 2025 – As the Royal Family prepares for their traditional Christmas at Sandringham, the Princess of Wales is reportedly grappling with a deeply relatable modern parenting challenge: resisting the temptation to spoil her children with lavish gifts while holding firm on a strict no-smartphone rule.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, in comments to The Mirror, highlighted the “impossible” balance Catherine must strike this festive season. After a difficult year marked by her cancer diagnosis, treatment, and remission announcement in January 2025, Kate is said to be eager to create magical memories for Prince George (12), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7).

“Catherine has made the Christmas period uniquely hers,” Bond noted. Drawing from her own happy Middleton family upbringing—complete with decorations and joy orchestrated by her mother Carole—Kate is determined to replicate that warmth. Yet, the couple remains committed to raising grounded children, avoiding undue spoiling despite their vast resources.

Bond explained: “Catherine and William have tried not to spoil their children unduly, which can’t be easy when you love them to bits and can basically give them anything they want.” This resolve is especially tested at Christmas, a time of celebration and survival following health challenges in the family.

Central to the dilemma is smartphones. Prince William confirmed earlier this year that none of the children have mobile phones, describing the rule as “very strict.” Bond emphasized: “One thing they most definitely won’t be getting, however much they beg, is a smartphone.”

With George entering his pre-teen years and attending Lambrook School alongside privileged peers, many of whom likely own devices, the pressure is mounting. Peer influence, group chats, and social media access pose unique risks for royal children—including cybersecurity threats, hacking vulnerabilities, and exposure to online cruelty or family controversies.

Kate, informed by her work on early childhood development, prioritizes real-world interactions, outdoor play, and family connection over screens. Gifts this year are expected to focus on board games, sports equipment, books, and creative items—encouraging the “analog” childhood William and Kate champion.

As the Wales family joins King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham—following private time at Anmer Hall—this Christmas underscores resilience and tradition. The annual church walk on December 25 will offer a glimpse of the polished royal exterior, but behind it lies a universal parental struggle: saying “no” out of love.

Jennie Bond added that the line may grow “increasingly difficult to hold” as George approaches his teens, but for now, the focus remains on presence over presents in a digital age.