Tablets, digital devices banned for royal kids

It may seem like a fairytale life, but would it be that fun to follow so many rules? Picture: AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali

If you think being a prince or princess would be fun, you might want to consider the long list of rules the royal children have to follow – such as a ban on iPads.

The royal kids also reportedly aren’t allowed to eat shellfish or open presents on Christmas Day.

And while Prince George will soon celebrate his 12th birthday, he will also have to add another strict rule to his list.

The second in line to the British throne will face a huge change in royal tradition when he turns 12 on July 22.

Prince George will no longer be able to fly on the same aircraft as his father, Prince William.

The strict rule has been designed to protect the royal family’s future line of succession*, in the event of a tragedy occurring.

Prince George will soon be 12. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince George is second in line for the throne, behind his dad, Prince William. Picture: Josh Shinner

The royal protocol may also affect Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who may no longer fly with their older brother since they are next in the line of succession, behind George.

George is currently second-in-line to the British throne, behind Prince William. Charlotte, 10, and Louis, seven, are behind George.

Here are some of the strict rules George, Charlotte and Louis have had to follow since they were born.

NO ELECTRONIC TOYS
Prince William and Princess Kate reportedly don’t allow their kids to play with any electronic toys.

The couple prefer their children to participate in activities and avoid them having tablets, such as iPads.

That means no screen time. No Roblox. No Minecraft. No Toca Boca, kids.

When your screen time limit for the day has ended, spare a thought for the royals. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

PLAYING OUTSIDE
Media outlet The Independent reports royal parents Kate and William have always encouraged their kids to play outside – even if it’s raining.

“There will be lots and lots of outdoor play … Lots of bike rides, playing with their dogs, potentially some gardening…,” Louise Heren, the author of Nanny in a Book, said.

“Yes, you are getting mucky with your hands in the soil, but you are learning how to plant.

“If it is tipping it down, they will still go out.”

NO BABY FOOD OR SHELLFISH
The kids aren’t allowed to eat shellfish such as prawns and oysters – a dietary restriction* that also applies to the adults of the household.

The ban was reportedly put in place because shellfish is believed to be the easiest food to get sick from, which they aim to avoid whenever possible.

The royals also ban pre-packaged and baby foods since they have private chefs to prepare delicious and nutritious meals.

They attend lots of public events together as a family, but not Christmas lunch. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

NO EATING AT THE CHRISTMAS TABLE
The royal children spend Christmas with the rest of their family at their country home in Sandringham. But they have their own room for lunch – which means no pulling Christmas crackers with Mum and Dad at the table.

NO OPENING PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS DAY
The royal children do not open presents on Christmas Day. Instead, they exchange all gifts on Christmas Eve and then go to church on Christmas Day.

This tradition, introduced by Prince Albert*, the husband of Queen Victoria, also involves the children adding the “finishing touches to the 20ft Christmas tree* in the White Drawing Room*” on Christmas Eve, according to the Royal Family website.

“On Christmas Eve, The Royal Family lay out their presents on trestle tables and will exchange their gifts at teatime,” the website states.

Life as a royal is certainly different. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

NO MONOPOLY
If you think these rules are harsh, even Monopoly was once off limits for the royal family.

According to British newspaper The Telegraph, the younger brother of King Charles III, Prince Andrew, said he wasn’t allowed to play the iconic* board game.

“We’re not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious,” the Duke York said back in 2008.

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https://www.kidsnews.com.au/society-culture/tablets-digital-devices-banned-for-royal-kids/news-story/5bb569058a72fa53d57a48a8f5d64b48