Imagine the shock of receiving a formal letter from an organization based thousands of miles away, openly questioning your personal decision to expand your family and warning that another child could negatively affect the planet. This surprising situation became a reality for Prince William and Catherine when they were urged by an overseas group to stop at two children, just as they were preparing to welcome a third. What followed was one of the most unusual and debated moments in recent royal history, highlighting how even the most private choices of the British royal family can become part of global discussions.
The British monarchy is often associated with long-standing traditions, duty, and continuity. Yet in the modern world, it exists under constant scrutiny and is frequently drawn into contemporary debates around ethics, equality, and sustainability. One particularly striking example occurred shortly before the announcement of the Wales family’s third child, when a San Francisco–based children’s advocacy organization decided to publicly intervene in the couple’s family planning.
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At the time, William and Catherine were known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. They were already parents to Prince George, second in line to the throne, and Princess Charlotte, who had quickly won public affection. To many observers, the family seemed complete. Unknown to the public, however, the couple was expecting another child. Before Kensington Palace could make the announcement, an organization called Having Kids released an open letter addressed directly to the royal couple.
The letter urged them to consider not having a third child and instead to set an example by limiting their family size for the sake of the environment and global equality. According to the organization, public figures carry a responsibility to consider how their personal decisions influence broader societal behavior. They argued that smaller families could ease pressure on the planet’s limited resources and help ensure a fairer future for all children.
The authors of the letter, Carter Dillard and Anne Green, emphasized that they were fully aware that royal children would never face poverty or lack opportunity. They acknowledged that Prince George and Princess Charlotte were guaranteed privileged lives with access to excellent healthcare, education, and security. However, their argument focused on the wider global picture. Not every child, they said, is born into such favorable circumstances, and unchecked population growth could deepen inequality and environmental strain.
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Rather than simply discouraging larger families, the organization proposed what it called the “fair start” model. This philosophy suggests that families who choose to have fewer children could redirect resources toward supporting other children, helping to ensure that every child has a genuine opportunity to thrive. In their view, sustainability is not just about numbers, but about creating a world where children grow up in healthy, safe, and stable environments.
Public reaction to the letter was sharply divided. Many people felt it was an inappropriate intrusion into a deeply personal decision, particularly coming from a foreign organization addressing members of the British royal family. Others, however, found the environmental argument thought-provoking, especially given the royal family’s long-standing involvement in environmental advocacy. King Charles III, William’s father, has spent decades campaigning on issues such as conservation, climate change, and sustainable living, often long before these topics gained widespread attention.
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Despite the attention and debate sparked by the letter, William and Catherine followed their own path. Soon afterward, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine was expecting their third child. The news was revealed earlier than planned because the princess was once again suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe pregnancy condition marked by extreme nausea and vomiting. This condition had affected all three of her pregnancies and often required medical treatment and extended rest.
Catherine’s experience reminded the public that behind royal titles and formal appearances are real people facing genuine physical challenges. Choosing to go through another difficult pregnancy underscored the couple’s strong desire for a larger family, despite health risks and public criticism.
Their third child, Prince Louis Arthur Charles, was born on April 23, 2018—St. George’s Day—at London’s St. Mary’s Hospital. He quickly became known for his lively personality and expressive behavior during public appearances, adding a sense of warmth and relatability to the royal family. His arrival also subtly shifted royal tradition.
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Historically, heirs often had two children—an heir and a spare—but William and Catherine’s choice reflected a more modern, family-centered approach rather than one strictly guided by succession planning.
Today, as the Prince and Princess of Wales carry greater responsibility following King Charles’s accession, their family is seen as central to the future of the monarchy. The letter from the Having Kids organization remains a symbol of the intense scrutiny modern royals face, where even decisions about family size are viewed through social, environmental, and political lenses.
While the organization continues to promote its fair start philosophy, Catherine has dedicated much of her public work to improving early childhood development through her initiatives focused on the first five years of life. Although she did not follow the group’s advice on limiting family size, her efforts show a shared concern for children’s well-being.
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