EXCLUSIVE LEAK: Princess Anne secretly trained George and Charlotte during 9 private Windsor sessions — William insists the world is not ready to know

In an astonishing revelation that has palace insiders buzzing, exclusive sources have leaked details of nine highly secretive training sessions conducted by the Princess Royal, Anne, with her great-niece and nephew, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, at the historic Windsor Castle. The sessions, spanning from late 2024 to mid-2025, were designed to immerse the young royals in the intricacies of royal protocol, etiquette, and duty, far beyond what the public has glimpsed. Yet, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, is said to be adamant that the full extent of these private lessons remain under wraps, insisting that “the world is not ready to know” the depth of preparation his children are undergoing at such a tender age.

The leak, which surfaced from a disgruntled former palace staffer, paints a picture of clandestine gatherings in the opulent private apartments of Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, where Queen Elizabeth II spent much of her final years. These sessions, held bi-weekly over several months, were kept so confidential that even close family members like King Charles III and Queen Camilla were reportedly only vaguely aware of their occurrence. “Anne saw it as her solemn duty to pass on the torch,” a source close to the Princess Royal confided. “With her unparalleled work ethic—over 473 engagements in 2024 alone—she’s the perfect mentor for the next generation.” But William’s reluctance to publicize the training stems from his desire to shield George, 12, and Charlotte, 9, from the intense scrutiny that comes with royal life, especially amid ongoing family health challenges and public fascination with the monarchy’s future.

Princess Anne, 75, has long been revered as the “hardest-working royal,” a title earned through decades of tireless service that mirrors her late father, Prince Philip’s, no-nonsense approach. Her relationship with William’s children has blossomed in recent years, evolving from casual family interactions to a more structured mentorship. Reports from mid-2024 first hinted at Anne taking Charlotte under her wing, providing informal “lessons in princessisms” on topics ranging from equestrian pursuits and women’s sports to fashion and courtly manners. George, as the future king, was initially an observer, but sources now confirm he actively participated in the later sessions, learning the subtle arts of diplomacy and public engagement that Anne mastered over her 50+ years in the Firm.

The nine sessions, codenamed “Operation Legacy” by palace aides, took place in the Crimson Drawing Room and other semi-private chambers of Windsor Castle, rooms often used for discreet royal events. Each lasted approximately two hours, beginning with protocol drills—curtsies, handshakes, and the art of “ending conversations gracefully without offense,” a skill Anne reportedly emphasized after noting Kate Middleton’s early struggles with it as a commoner bride. “Charlotte was a natural, absorbing it all like a sponge,” the insider revealed. “George, being the heir, focused more on leadership and the weight of the crown, drawing from Anne’s stories of supporting her mother during tough times.” The sessions also delved into practical royal life: how to navigate media interactions, prioritize charitable causes, and maintain composure during public appearances. One particularly memorable exercise involved role-playing investiture ceremonies, where Anne demonstrated the formal presentation of honors—a duty she shares exclusively with the King and William.

Windsor Castle, with its 1,000-year history as a fortress and royal residence, provided the ideal secluded setting. The castle’s private apartments, away from tourist trails, allowed for uninterrupted focus. Sources describe the atmosphere as intimate yet rigorous: no staff interruptions, just Anne, the children, and occasionally a trusted tutor for specialized topics like equestrian etiquette, given Anne’s passion for horses and her Olympic background. “It was like a royal bootcamp,” the leaker said. “Anne shared cautionary tales from her own life, like surviving a kidnapping attempt in 1974, to teach resilience.” Charlotte, in particular, bonded over shared interests in ballet and sailing, while George drew inspiration from Anne’s steadfast support for King Charles during his cancer battle.

This mentorship isn’t entirely new. Public glimpses, such as Charlotte’s poised demeanor at Wimbledon in July 2024 alongside Kate, have been attributed to Anne’s influence. Insiders had previously reported a “royal crash course” for Charlotte, preparing her for potential inheritance of the Princess Royal title upon Anne’s passing and William’s ascension—a role traditionally held by the monarch’s eldest daughter. “When William becomes King, Charlotte could be our future Princess Royal,” confirmed royal expert Richard Eden on the Palace Confidential podcast. Extending this to George aligns with the family’s vision of a united front, fostering a sibling dynamic akin to Charles and Anne’s close bond, which William admires and wants to replicate to avoid the frictions seen with his own brother, Harry.

However, William’s insistence on secrecy has sparked tension. “He’s protective to a fault,” a Kensington Palace source explained. “The children are already under immense pressure—George knows his destiny, and Charlotte faces expectations as a potential high-profile royal. Revealing these sessions would invite a media frenzy, and William believes the public isn’t ready for that level of exposure on kids so young.” This stance echoes William’s broader approach to parenting, emphasizing normalcy amid royal duties. The family resides at nearby Adelaide Cottage, where George, Charlotte, and their brother Louis, 7, attend Lambrook School, just a short drive from Windsor. Recent security breaches at Windsor, including masked intruders near the estate in November 2024, have only heightened William’s caution.

Anne, ever the pragmatist, respects William’s wishes but sees the training as essential for the monarchy’s survival. “She’s annoyed that William doesn’t do more traditional duties himself, like investitures at Windsor,” the source noted, referencing reports of Anne’s frustration with the “slimmed-down” monarchy. Yet, their relationship remains strong; William has publicly praised Anne as a “role model” and ensured close ties between his children and hers—Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall—with cousins like Mia, Lena, and Lucas Tindall being firm playmates to George and Charlotte. A recent X post from a royal watcher even speculated, “The Kids are in training already. Charlotte will be like Princess Anne to George.”

The leak raises questions about transparency in the royal family, especially as polls show public support hovering around 60% amid economic strains and republican sentiments abroad. With King Charles’s health ongoing and William preparing for greater responsibilities, these sessions symbolize a proactive effort to groom the young heirs. Kate Middleton, recovering from her own challenges, is said to be supportive, having benefited from Anne’s guidance in her early royal years. “It’s tough love, but necessary,” the insider added.

As the dust settles on this exclusive disclosure, one thing is clear: the House of Windsor is investing heavily in its future. Whether William’s secrecy holds or more leaks emerge, the world may soon glimpse the poised, prepared royals Anne has helped forge. For now, the private chambers of Windsor echo with lessons that could shape the monarchy for generations.