In a heartwarming display of compassion and family unity, Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, took their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—to Disneyland Paris on July 28, 2025, for a magical day of fun. What made this royal outing extraordinary was the couple’s decision to sponsor 100 underprivileged and homeless children from Paris to join them, providing these young guests with a rare opportunity to experience the enchantment of the theme park. This initiative, rooted in the couple’s commitment to philanthropy and inspired by Princess Diana’s legacy, has captured global attention, highlighting the Wales family’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

A Royal Family Day Out with a Purpose

The visit to Disneyland Paris marked a rare public family outing for Prince William, 43, and Kate Middleton, 43, who have prioritized giving their children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—a grounded upbringing despite their royal status. The family’s trip to the iconic theme park, located in Marne-la-Vallée, France, was initially planned as a private summer treat following a challenging year marked by Kate’s cancer treatment and recovery. However, the couple transformed the outing into a meaningful charitable event by partnering with local French organizations to sponsor 100 underprivileged children, many of whom were homeless or from low-income families in the Paris region.

The initiative was facilitated through the Royal Foundation, the charitable organization led by William and Kate, which has a history of supporting vulnerable communities. The couple worked with Secours Populaire Français, a French charity focused on aiding disadvantaged families, to identify children who would benefit from the experience. Each child was provided with full access to Disneyland Paris, including meals, transportation, and guided tours of the park’s attractions, such as Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Space Mountain, and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The event was designed to offer a day of joy and respite, aligning with the Waleses’ broader mission to promote mental health and community support.

A Day of Joy and Connection

The Wales family arrived at Disneyland Paris early in the morning, greeted by park officials and a small group of charity representatives. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, dressed casually in summer attire—George and Louis in polo shirts and shorts, Charlotte in a floral dress—were visibly excited, with Louis reportedly “bouncing with energy” as they entered the park. William and Kate, both sporting sunglasses and relaxed outfits, joined their children on classic rides like It’s a Small World and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, blending seamlessly with the group of sponsored children.

The 100 underprivileged children, aged between 6 and 14, were accompanied by chaperones from Secours Populaire and volunteers from the Royal Foundation. The group was divided into smaller teams to ensure a personalized experience, with William, Kate, and their children rotating between groups to interact with the young guests. Social media posts on X described the scene as “heartwarming,” with one user noting, “Seeing Prince William and Kate laughing with these kids at Disneyland is pure magic. They’re showing George, Charlotte, and Louis what it means to give back.” Another post praised the family’s approachability, stating, “The Wales kids were right there with everyone else, queuing for rides and sharing snacks. It’s so refreshing.”

A particularly touching moment occurred when Kate helped a group of children create Mickey Mouse-shaped bracelets at a craft station, while William joined a game of tag with Louis and several young guests near the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast attraction. These interactions underscored the couple’s hands-on parenting style and their desire to teach their children empathy through direct engagement. A volunteer quoted by The Telegraph said, “The Prince and Princess made sure every child felt included. You could see the joy on their faces, and the royal children were just as excited to share the day.”

Inspired by Princess Diana’s Legacy

The decision to sponsor underprivileged children for the Disneyland trip was deeply personal for Prince William, who has often cited his late mother, Princess Diana, as an inspiration for his charitable work. Diana famously took William and Prince Harry to homeless shelters and community centers to expose them to the realities of life beyond the palace walls. In a 2024 ITV documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, William shared how these experiences shaped his perspective, saying, “When I was very small, my mother started talking about homelessness, much like I do with my children now on the school run.”

This ethos was evident in the Disneyland outing, which echoed Diana’s 1992 visit to Disneyland Paris with William and Harry, then aged 10 and 7. During that trip, Diana ensured her sons experienced the park as ordinary children, queuing for rides and enjoying ice cream. William’s decision to include underprivileged children in the 2025 visit reflects a continuation of this approach, blending family fun with a commitment to social good. A royal source told HELLO! magazine, “William wanted to make this a day the children—both his own and those invited—would never forget. It’s about creating memories and showing kindness, just as Diana did.”

Kate, who has championed mental health initiatives through the Royal Foundation, also played a key role in shaping the event. Her own experiences with adversity, particularly her cancer diagnosis in 2024, have deepened her commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. In a statement released via the Royal Foundation, Kate said, “Every child deserves moments of joy and wonder. We are thrilled to share this special day with these incredible young people and to see the smiles on their faces.” The initiative aligns with the couple’s Homewards project, launched in 2023 to combat homelessness across the UK, which emphasizes creating opportunities for those in need.

A Lesson in Empathy for George, Charlotte, and Louis

The Disneyland trip was not only a fun outing for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis but also an opportunity to learn about empathy and privilege. William and Kate have long emphasized the importance of exposing their children to social issues, a practice William discussed in a 2023 Sunday Times interview. He noted that he talks to his children about homelessness during school runs, explaining, “I think it’s really important to start these conversations when the children are small so they understand the world around them, rather than just living in their own worlds.”

At Disneyland, the royal children were encouraged to interact with their underprivileged peers, sharing stories and participating in group activities. Charlotte, described as “confident and kind,” was seen helping younger children navigate the park’s map, while George, who turned 12 just days before the trip, took a leadership role in organizing a group for the Big Thunder Mountain ride. Louis, known for his playful energy, brought laughter to the group by mimicking Donald Duck’s voice, earning giggles from both the sponsored children and park staff.

A Secours Populaire volunteer told Le Figaro, “The royal children were so natural and engaged. You could tell they’d been taught to listen and connect with others, no matter their background.” This hands-on approach mirrors William’s own childhood experiences at The Passage charity with Diana, where he learned about the challenges faced by homeless individuals. The Disneyland event was a practical extension of these lessons, allowing George, Charlotte, and Louis to witness the impact of their parents’ philanthropy firsthand.

Public and Media Reactions

The event garnered widespread praise on social media and in the press. Posts on X lauded William and Kate for their “genuine compassion,” with one user writing, “Bringing 100 underprivileged kids to Disneyland Paris is such a beautiful gesture. William and Kate are raising their children with the same heart Diana had.” Another post highlighted the royal children’s involvement, stating, “George, Charlotte, and Louis weren’t just there for the rides—they were making friends and spreading joy. That’s true royalty.”

Media outlets like The Times and Paris Match described the outing as a “masterclass in modern monarchy,” blending family time with social responsibility. Fashion blogs also noted the family’s coordinated yet casual style, with Kate’s navy sundress and William’s linen shirt earning compliments for their understated elegance. The event’s success was further amplified by Disney’s cooperation, with park officials reportedly waiving fees for the sponsored children and providing additional staff to ensure a smooth experience.

A Broader Impact

The Disneyland Paris trip is part of a broader pattern of charitable engagement for William and Kate. Their Homewards initiative, launched in 2023, aims to make homelessness “rare, brief, and unrepeated” across the UK, and the Disneyland event extends this mission internationally. By partnering with Secours Populaire, the couple highlighted the universal need for community support, particularly for children facing hardship. The event also strengthened UK-France ties, with French media noting the Waleses’ gesture as a symbol of cross-cultural solidarity.

For the 100 underprivileged children, the day was transformative. Many had never visited a theme park before, and the opportunity to share the experience with the royal family left a lasting impression. A 10-year-old participant, quoted anonymously by Le Monde, said, “I felt like a prince for a day. Meeting Princess Charlotte was so cool—she asked me about my favorite ride!” Such stories underscore the event’s impact, creating memories that will endure for years.

Conclusion

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s decision to bring Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis to Disneyland Paris, while sponsoring 100 underprivileged children, was a powerful blend of family bonding and philanthropy. Inspired by Princess Diana’s legacy, the Waleses used their platform to bring joy to those in need, while teaching their children the value of empathy and service. The event, marked by laughter, shared experiences, and genuine connection, showcased the modern monarchy at its best—accessible, compassionate, and committed to making a difference. As the Wales family continues to navigate their roles, this magical day in Paris will remain a shining example of their dedication to others.