When Eugene Levy flew to England for his show, “The Reluctant Traveler,” he had every intention of visiting Windsor Castle, but he didn’t expect a personal invitation. Levy not only got a tour from Prince William, but the royal heir brought him to a local pub for a pint.
The Prince of Wales not only admitted to having watched Levy’s “American Pie” films as a teen, but he also showed an uncommon openness with him. He revealed details of his childhood that he wished to share with his children, as well as elements he hoped to leave behind in the past.
William Vowed to Shield His Family from Tabloid Intrusion
During their afternoon together, William discussed the tabloids with Levy. He talked about “the media, the speculation, the scrutiny” that comes with being a member of the royal family. The Prince of Wales attributed the unraveling of Princess Diana and King Charles’ marriage partly to the intense media coverage.
Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Archive/Getty Images“Growing up, I saw that with my parents. The media were so insatiable back then. It’s hard to think of it now, but they were much more insatiable,” William said. “They wanted every bit of detail they could absorb, and they were in everything, literally everywhere. They would know things, they’d be everywhere.”
“If you let that creep in, the damage it can do to your family life is something that I vowed would never happen to my family,” he said. “And so, I take a very strong line about where I think that line is. And those who overstep it, I’ll fight against.”
While walking the grounds, William confirmed that his desires for his own family began with his mother, Diana.
Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images“I think it’s really important that that atmosphere is created at home. You have to have that warmth, that feeling of safety, security, love,” he told Levy. “That all has to be there, and that was certainly part of my childhood.”
“My parents got divorced at eight, so, you know, that lasted a short period of time,” he continued. “But you take that and you learn from it and you try and make sure you don’t do the same mistakes as your parents. I think we all try and do that.”
“I just want to do what’s best for my children. But I know that the drama and the stress when you’re small really affects you when you’re older,” he added.
Prince William Talked About the Value of Family Chats Over Dinner
William told Levy that, for him and Kate, eating dinner with Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, was essential. “We sit and chat, it’s really important,” he explained. He also confessed that they didn’t give the kids cell phones, preferring them to find other ways to entertain themselves.
“Louis loves the trampoline, so he’s obsessed with trampolining and, actually, Charlotte does a lot as well,” William said. “As far as I can tell, they just end up jumping up and down on the trampoline, beating each other up, most of the time. Apparently, there is an art to it. Charlotte does netball as well, and ballet. And so, keeping them busy with sports and just being outdoors is really important.”
