Prince William and Kate Middleton brought their three children to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Saturday, marking a significant moment for the young royals in Scotland. Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8, joined their parents for what marked the first official public engagement all three children have made in the country.
The Prince and Princess of Wales interrupted their summer break, a period they typically spend away from the public eye with their family, to attend events at the Games. The family watched the netball semi-final match between Australia and Jamaica from the stands at the city’s OVO Hydro arena, sitting together as spectators while soaking in the atmosphere of the international sporting event. During their time at the Games, all three children participated in meet-and-greets with volunteers and athletes, exchanging high-fives with people at the venue, including the Commonwealth Games mascot.
Beyond the sporting events, William and Kate used their visit to support causes they champion. The royal pair, known in Scotland by their Scottish titles as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, spent time chatting with Team Wales athletes and their families. They also visited SportsAid, an organization dedicated to helping young athletes, where Kate continues her role as a patron since taking on the position in 2013.
For their day at the Games, Charlotte wore a black and white polka dot dress, while her brothers donned collared shirts and trousers. Kate opted for a black and white striped top paired with a white skirt and a dark green blazer, while William chose a black suit with a casually undone button-down shirt.
The appearance represents a break from the Wales family’s usual summer routine. Prince William and Kate typically keep this period private and away from official duties, using the time for their children’s school holidays to focus on family life. The couple occasionally spends time at Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s traditional Scottish estate, where they retreat in August. This summer had already been eventful for the family, with earlier public appearances at Wimbledon and other engagements, including the annual Trooping the Colour celebration in June. Just weeks before the Commonwealth Games, William and Kate brought George and Charlotte to the Wimbledon men’s singles finals.
The Commonwealth Games, held every four years to bring together athletes from countries and territories across the Commonwealth, took on added significance this year as Scotland hosted the event after Victoria, Australia, withdrew from the role due to rising costs. King Charles officially opened the Games and declared them open as head of the Commonwealth, with the event running through August 2, 2026.
This particular summer is notable for the Wales family as it marks a transitional period in Prince George’s life. The 13-year-old is set to begin his studies at Eton College later in the year, making this the final extended summer break before that significant milestone. News reports of George becoming a teenager in July added to the family’s summer celebrations, and the parents shared glimpses of their family time through social media, including a post titled “The Summer Rewind” on July 28 where they thanked everyone for making the past few months special.
The outing demonstrates how the royal family continues to balance private family time with public-facing duties, particularly when major events like the Commonwealth Games occur during what would otherwise be their secluded summer period. Their presence at the Games and engagement with athletes and volunteers underscores the Prince and Princess of Wales’ commitment to supporting sports and young people, even during their typically quieter months.