The moment a child speaks their first word stands as a cherished milestone in any family’s life. It marks the beginning of a new stage in their development, full of wonder, creativity, and connection. For members of the royal family, such milestones unfold under a watchful eye, capturing public intrigue and delight. While the royals generally maintain a veil of privacy surrounding their lives, periodic revelations about their children’s early speech provide aficionados with a glimpse into their family dynamics. This article explores the treasured first words of some of the royal family’s youngest members, showcasing the lighter side of life in the limelight.
One of the most talked-about revelations came from Prince Harry regarding his son, Archie. During an appearance on **The Late Late Show with James Corden**, Harry shared that Archie’s first word was surprisingly sophisticated: “crocodile.” The Duke described Archie at over a year and a half old as being “hysterical” with a vibrant personality, already stringing together two to three words, and even singing.
Moreover, Harry has disclosed that Archie’s early vocabulary also included “mama,” “papa,” and heartwarming references to his grandmother, Princess Diana. This further highlights the bond that the young prince has with his heritage, as he recognizes his grandmother through pictures in his nursery. The mention of “Grandma Diana” underscores the lasting impact of family history on the royal upbringing, intertwining love and remembrance within their daily lives.
Another captivating account flows from Princess Kate, who unveiled that her youngest, Prince Louis, had a budding admiration for television chef Mary Berry, a household name in the UK. In a heartfelt moment shared during a Christmas television special, Kate recounted, “One of Louis’ first words was ‘Mary’.” The clever connection here underscores how children are keen observers, fascinated by personalities and images around them.
The fact that Louis identified Mary Berry from the cooking books lining the kitchen showcases the natural curiosity children have in recognizing faces and names, intertwined with their everyday experiences. This delightful revelation adds a unique twist to their royal narrative, reminding us of how even the smallest interests can reveal a child’s evolving character.
Not far behind in this charming competition of first words is Prince George, whose alleged first spoken word was animal-related. During a 2014 royal tour of Australia, Prince William mentioned that he expected George’s first word might have been “bilby,” an Australian marsupial. The mere choice of a word like “bilby” reflects the surroundings and influences shaping the child’s learning process, while highlighting the royal family’s connection to the land they were visiting.
This interaction emphasizes how the environment plays a critical role in shaping children’s vocabulary and interests. The fact that William shared this personal anecdote in his address evokes warmth, bringing the public closer to the family than traditional royal displays might suggest.
Lastly, the tale of David Armstrong-Jones, the son of Princess Margaret, adds an intriguing layer to royal first words. According to broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, David’s first word was “chandelier.” This unusual choice illustrates how even the ordinary can take on extraordinary importance within the royal context. David’s familiarity with the term resulted from his nanny pointing it out while he lay in his cot, drawing a whimsical backdrop for the royal child’s formative moments.
In sharing these delightful stories about their children’s first words, members of the royal family forge a connection with the public. Each anecdote serves not only as an endearing portrait of their children but also emphasizes that, like any other family, they celebrate growth, learning, and love. Through these anecdotes, the royals remind us that at their core, they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood—a sentiment that resonates universally.