Prince William is catching heat after a clip reignited questions about how he spends his time as a senior royal.
In the video, journalist Chris Ship claims the Prince of Wales earns roughly £22 million annually to represent the U.K., but also “spends a lot of time” playing video games.
The claim didn’t sit well with everyone, with critics zeroing in on the reported figure while others leaned into the lighter side, speculating about what games the future king might be playing.
In the segment, Ship was asked whether William’s eldest son, Prince George, plays video games. While he admitted he wasn’t sure, the journalist pivoted to the Prince of Wales himself, claiming he has “been known to spend rather a lot of time” gaming.
Pressed further on what titles William might prefer, Ship said he didn’t have that level of insight, but speculated the royal could be into popular franchises like “Grand Theft Auto” or “FIFA.”
Another guest then chimed in to note that William has previously acknowledged George does play video games, though the family reportedly keeps a close eye on screen time and tries to limit how long he spends playing.
William Faces Backlash Over Gaming Claim
Social media users didn’t hold back after the clip circulated alongside claims that William earns £22 million a year to “represent” the U.K., with many questioning how that squares with having time to game.
“22m per year? For f-cking what?” one Reddit user wrote. Another added, “Doesn’t surprise me. Probably some violent game too, when he’s done with leaking, harassing his brother through the media, or shouting at staff/wife for the day, he needs something else where he can be aggressive and violent.”
Prince William And Kate Have ‘Very Strict’ Rules For Their Kids
William and Kate may be raising future royals, but that doesn’t mean their children are given free rein at home. The couple is known to enforce firm boundaries with their three kids, from travel protocols tied to royal succession to strict limits on screen time.
William has previously spoken about the importance of getting his children outdoors, making it clear that he and Kate prefer playtime outside over hours spent on video games.
In an October 2025 appearance on The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, the Prince of Wales offered a rare glimpse into their home life, revealing that their parenting style comes with clearly defined rules.
“Absolutely, yes, definitely,” William said when asked about family routines, stressing the importance of sitting down together for meals. “So, sit and chat is really important.”
Prince William Stressed The Importance Of Nature
Elsewhere in the conversation, William emphasized that family remains his top priority, describing it as “the most important thing” in his life. Speaking about raising grounded children in a digital age, the Prince of Wales explained that creating a stable and supportive environment early on is key.
“And everything is about the future,” he said, per ABC News. “If you don’t start the children off now with a happy, healthy, stable home, I feel you’re setting them up for a bit of a hard time and a fall.”
To that end, William shared that he and Kate intentionally steer their children toward outdoor activities rather than increased screen time.
Prince William And Kate Plotting Australia Trip
Meanwhile, William and Kate are reportedly eyeing a return to Australia, and plans are even said to be in motion for their first official visit to the country in over a decade. The reported tour comes on the heels of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent visit, with some insiders branding William and Kate’s potential trip a “revenge tour.”
According to a source cited by Sky News, the Prince and Princess of Wales are keen to deliver what’s being described as a full-scale royal experience.
“William and Kate both know that they need to give Australia a real ‘bells and whistles’ royal tour as soon as their schedule allows,” the insider said. “William and Kate know that the Australian public deserves better. It’s their job to make it happen.”
If it goes ahead, the visit would mark the couple’s first official tour Down Under since 2014, with reports suggesting their three children may join them.
