Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Prince Louis are enjoying their summer holidays surrounded by family in Norfolk and Balmoral, with time carved out for events like Wimbledon. Their routine may seem familiar now, but summer looked very different for Prince William and Prince Harry during the 1990s. After Princess Diana and Prince Charles separated in 1992, Diana was only granted two weeks each year with her sons. Her former butler, Paul Burrell, revealed that Diana willingly gave up that time so the boys could spend summers with their royal relatives at Balmoral.

Diana Prioritized William’s Role in the Royal Family

Burrell, speaking with Marie Claire on behalf of Casino.org, explained that Diana understood William’s future as monarch. She believed it was important for both boys to be raised closely within the royal fold. Even though it meant missing out on precious time, she chose what she believed was best for their future. Diana saw herself as their emotional foundation, but knew their environment had to support their royal destinies.

Limited by Location and Access

Princess Diana with Prince William & Prince Harry

Unlike other royals, Diana didn’t own private countryside estates. According to Burrell, her only residence was Kensington Palace, which lacked the retreat-like qualities of Balmoral or Sandringham. That’s why she often took the boys abroad during their brief time together. Beach holidays became their tradition, offering them privacy and a break from palace life.

The Last Summer They Shared

In 1997, Diana took William and Harry on what would be their final holiday together. They traveled to the Mediterranean, where they spent time on jet skis and relaxed away from public attention. Afterwards, Diana brought them back so they could join their father and the Queen at Balmoral. That’s where they were when she tragically passed away, just weeks later.

Diana Never Stopped Being a Hands-On Mother

Though restricted by royal arrangements, Diana was deeply involved in her sons’ lives. Burrell shared that she did school drop-offs, handled bedtime stories, and took care of them during their early years. But as they grew older and went off to boarding school at Eton, she found it harder to stay as physically close. She felt the distance, even if the emotional bond remained strong.

William Is Determined to Break the Cycle

Burrell noted that Prince William has made intentional choices to avoid repeating those patterns. With Kate, he is creating a more hands-on and integrated family dynamic. Lessons from his childhood are shaping how he raises his own children. While the context has changed, the desire to stay connected as a father remains central to William’s parenting philosophy.