All the new details we learned this week about the Wales children as William and Kate move focus off wayward Harry

For a notoriously private family, the Prince and Princess of Wales certainly let slip a few new details about their children in the past week.

Despite Prince William's reported determination to protect his children's privacy, both he and his wife Catherine divulged a number of new details about the Wales children, George, 12, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, six, while out and about with the public at a series of royal engagements.

But while many chalked this up to proud parents eager to talk about their kids, at least one royal commentator believes their looser lips could be part of a strategy to move focus off William's wayward brother Prince Harry, who jetted back to the UK this week.

Let's take a look at what we learned about the Wales children this week.

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Prince George is 'getting big'

The couple's unusual candor about their three children began on September 4 during the royal couple's visit to the Natural History Museum in London.

It was their first public appearance since the end of the summer holidays.

The Prince and Princess of Wales had just arrived at the museum when they stopped to chat to well-wishers who were waiting outside.

It is thought someone inquired about the children, causing Catherine to reply, "They're getting big now".

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The exchange, which was shared on social media, also showed the princess gesturing with her hand to show their height, before adding, "George is already in my shoes" – a reference to his foot now being as large as his mother's.

They love arts and crafts

Four days later, the Princess of Wales was a last-minute inclusion in Prince William's planned visit to the National Federation of Women's Institutes premises in Sunningdale, Berkshire.

The princess revealed during the outing that the children had been "crafting in every corner of the house" over the long summer break.

It is not the first time the princess, who majored in art history while a student at The University of St Andrews, where she famously met Prince William, has shared details of her children's artistic talents.

In February, she released portraits her children had done, and one of her own, as part of her early years initiative.

Prince Louis is a 'very good boy'

The youngest of the Wales children is known for his antics but he is actually a "very good boy" according to his doting father.

While enjoying a cuppa and some morning tea at the National Federation of Women's Institutes premises this week, a woman, identified as Nina Derrick by The Daily Mail, asked the Prince of Wales if his youngest son was "a bit of a handful".

The ever-diplomatic William carefully chose his words, before replying, "He's a character but he's a very good boy, he really is".

However, he did admit Louis "likes to wind his brother and sister up".

Prince George acts 'different' in private

Derrick also pointed out that Prince George appeared to be the more sensible one, causing William to reveal another insight about his eldest son.

"When George is behind closed doors it's a completely different ball game," he said.

"George just knows how to behave [in public].

"Louis doesn't have that yet but there's five years between them [and] I think you'll see the difference," he continued, while using his hands to show Louis growing up.

Prince Louis is learning the drums

During a solo appearance on September 9, Prince William revealed Louis was learning the drums.

While we have all enjoyed the young prince's dance moves, this is the first confirmation that he is learning to play an instrument.

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Clue towards motive for Louis' mocking act

Prince William made the revelation when he was asked if he wanted to play the drums during a visit to Symphony Studios.

"I'm definitely not a drummer," he said.

"If my youngest was here, he'd have a go, because he's practicing at the moment."

Later, Prince William revealed all of his children played musical instruments.

"I make sure my children learn music because I love music and it's crucial, really important," he said.

Symphony Studios founder Seth Pinnock said William also revealed all three were "learning to play keys", meaning they are playing music by ear.

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