7 Greatest Royal Children’s Essentials You Need this Summer

As the sun beats down, (almost) eliminating memories of muddy footprints and wet socks, the arrival of summer brings forth a season of joy, adventure and tick removal. And, while the young members of royal families might enjoy a curated collection of summer essentials, there is NO REASON we can’t all enjoy the same creative activities, sartorial dress code and culinary delights picked by the Prince and Princess of Wales as George, Charlotte, Louis, Mia and the rest of them.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, ‘Where does the Princess of Wales get children’s summer essentials – but, more importantly, where can I buy similar versions for prices that won’t make me want to bite my arm off?’ here is the list for you.

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1. Smart shorts

Prince George and Prince Louis spend a lot of time in tailored shorts. A very English tradition says royal children should wear shorts until ‘they become older’. It is considered ‘suburban’ to wear trousers. Hmm. Anyway, if you care about such things, where can you buy aristocratic looking children’s thigh-wear?

Simple Joys by Carter’s Boys’ shorts are reasonably priced and elegant. Made from 100% cotton and in a variety of colours, they will do the job perfectly.

Machine wash, with a zip fastening and over 3,000 sold, they’re a wise investment that can be passed down through generations of little princes and princesses.

I can see Archie in them, too.

2. Flower press

One of The Princess of Wales’s favourite photos of Charlotte sees the (then) toddler smelling a bluebell. I’m taking it further by imagining that, within the confines of their enormous gardens, royal offspring enjoy picking and pressing blooms.

One of the most attractive flower presses available is this one from Berstuk. Made by a small business, it’s a great idea for a present and, even better, it’s hewn from responsibly harvested materials, I think Kate and William would approve. Just don’t go picking protected wildflowers – it’s against the law to pick, uproot or destroy hundreds of protected flowers across the UK. Stick to to your local florist. 

3. Ice-cream to share

Prince George came under fire – or rather, his parents did – when he was pictured appearing to feed his pet spaniel Lupo an ice-cream lolly in one of the photographs celebrating his third birthday. Apparently, dogs can be dairy intolerant.

One of the joys of life is sharing food with your best friend. I recommend finding a human one and sharing an enormous knickerbocker glory, or a canine one and giving them a lovely helping of Smoofl. The mix makes 10 healthy dog treats and the product comes in in various flavours, including watermelon(!)

4. Finger paints

Oh, how we all laughed when the photos of Prince Louis showing us his rainbow-painted hands were published. What a rascal, with his pristine shirt and wide grin. He was only two, too.

Well, to get that level of detail on your children’s hands, look no further than this washable finger paint set from the Shuttle Art Store. It’s packed full of handy bits and pieces, including 23 painting tools and 10 paint colours.

5. Sailor suit style

You’ve got to love the nod towards Prince William’s childhood the Wales children’s summer wear has shown over the years. From Charlotte’s sailor-style dress and Louis’ top at Trooping of the Colour to Prince George’s Breton top and captain’s cap at the King’s Regatta in 2019, the trusty front bib is a sure-fire way to denote aristocracy.

Fancy a copy? How about this skater dress? With 97% cotton and 3% Spandex, it moves with the wearer whatever the weather.

6. Ride-on tractor

‘He’s obsessed,’ was, reportedly, Prince William’s observation on Prince George’s feelings towards tractors. We’ve seen a couple of photographs of the young lad enjoying time on farm machinery and this model from Rolly Toys, the rollyTrac John Deere with Sound and Trailer, for ages 3-8, ticks every box. It does require batteries, but only two AAs, which almost everyone has either lying around or can sacrifice from a talking bear or wall clock.

7. Tupperware snack box

I’ve ended on a high, I’ll admit. Which key product, other than sun cream, ice cream and hats, that spans the class divide is a necessity for outdoor enjoyment in the summer? That trusty plastic food storage system, Tupperware.

Yet, Tupperware isn’t very sustainable. Even the Princess of Wales has been photographed using plastic boxes to house snacks at polo matches. I hardly dare say it, but she could do better?