Early Life and Family Background
Marmaduke Mickey Percy Grylls, known as ‘Duke’, is the third son of the world-renowned adventurer and TV survival expert Bear Grylls. Growing up in a family that naturally merges adventure, discipline, and strong family values, Marmaduke’s upbringing was unlike most children’s.
Whereas children such as the ones above growing up were hunched over gadgets or being entertained indoors, Marmaduke’s young life was spent outdoors in nature, facing challenges and learning. His family has always been very private, so there is very little detailed public information about his date of birth. But what we do know is he was raised in a warm, close, intentionally grounded family who shied away from the media.
Parents of Marmaduke Mickey Percy Grylls
Marmaduke is the son of two influential parents, each shaping him in distinct ways.
Bear Grylls – The Adventurer Father
Bear Grylls – the Man vs. Wild star, Running Wild with Bear Grylls host, and survival expert behind a host of shows – isn’t just a television personality: he’s a disciplined adventurer, a former British Special Forces soldier, a best-selling author, and a motivational speaker. Bear is active and hands on father and has strong opinions about parenting and is passionate about raising resilient, independent and grounded kids.
He famously said he wants his sons to grow up with “courage, kindness, and the ability to get back up after any fall.
Shara Cannings Knight – The Steady Guide of the Grylls Household
With Shara, Bear finally found the stability, emotional grounding and gentleness he needed in a partner and family. She has been called the “silent force” in the Grylls home.
She cherishes privacy and a low-key life, and so she and Bear have brought up their children largely out of the glare of public attention.
Together, Bear and Shara have created a balanced environment—adventure with responsibility, freedom with discipline.
Siblings and Family Relationships
Marmaduke has two brothers:
- Jesse Grylls – the eldest
- Huckleberry “Huck” Grylls – the youngest
The triplets are close, which is usually due to getting into the same mischief, camping, and doing physically demanding chores that the father doles out.
Bear has said he raises his two sons as a team – by making them rely on one another, support each other, be loyal and develop courage through shared life experiences. They have grown up together, climbing, hiking, kayaking, swimming, and exploring.
This brotherly camaraderie plays a major role in shaping Duke’s personality—calm, resilient, and confident.
What His Unique Name Reveals
Marmaduke Mickey Percy Grylls” is a name full of history and personal meaning.
- Marmaduke – a traditional English name symbolizing leadership
- Mickey – a soft, friendly nickname-style middle name
- Percy – associated with nobility and old English roots
Bear and Shara chose strong, meaningful names for all their children, reflecting heritage and character.
His family sometimes uses the nickname “Duke,” which fits his adventurous yet warm personality.
Education and Personal Development
The Grylls family has always prioritized balanced learning—academics plus life skills.
While the specific schools Marmaduke attended are not publicly disclosed (for privacy reasons), we do know:
- He has been raised with a strong educational foundation.
- Bear and Shara focus heavily on teaching their boys practical problem-solving.
- Outdoor learning is a regular part of their development.
Bear has said in interviews that he wants his children to love the outdoors, know their boundaries and be resilient—things even the best schools aren’t able to teach.
Marmaduke’s development has likely included:
- Leadership lessons
- Teamwork exercises
- Physical fitness challenges
- Real-life survival basics
- Emotional resilience training
This combination makes him more capable and adaptable than most kids his age.
Interests, Hobbies, and Outdoor Life
Growing up in the Grylls household naturally means being active, outdoorsy, and adventurous.
Marmaduke’s interests are believed to include:
- Kayaking and swimming
- Hiking and rock climbing
- Camping and navigating forests
- Wildlife watching
- General outdoor exploration
While he shuns social media, the occasional peek that Bear shares shows that all the Grylls kids are super active, sporty, and outdoorsy.
He also enjoys quiet hobbies like reading, playing with his brothers, and helping the family with daily island life.
Growing Up With Bear Grylls: Lessons and Influence
Having Bear Grylls as a father means growing up with adventure—but also with responsibility.
Bear avoids spoiling his children and teaches them:
- How to stay calm in difficult situations
- How to face fears rather than run away
- How to stay humble, kind, and grateful
- How to work hard and not rely on fame
Bear once said that he wants his sons to be “tough, but with soft hearts.”
Marmaduke’s upbringing perfectly reflects this philosophy.
Life on the Grylls’ Tidal Island Home
One of the most unique parts of Marmaduke’s life is the Grylls’ family home—a tidal island on the Welsh coast.
This is not just a house; it’s an environment full of raw nature.
Growing up here means:
- Climbing cliffs
- Learning tidal patterns
- Building fires
- Exploring wildlife
- Understanding safety in unpredictable nature
Life on the island teaches independence, responsibility, and respect for nature.
Media Presence and Privacy
Unlike many celebrity kids, Marmaduke has almost no media presence.
Reasons:
- Bear Grylls strongly protects his children’s privacy
- Shara prefers a low-profile life
- The family does not use their children for publicity
- They want their kids to grow up normally
This is why you will not find official social media accounts or frequent public appearances from him.
His absence from the media actually builds curiosity—but also preserves his childhood.
Age, Height, and Key Personal Details
Since the family values privacy, exact personal details are not published.
However, based on public timelines:
- Marmaduke is believed to be in his mid-teens
- His height is not officially known, but glimpses show he is tall and athletic
- His personality is described as calm, polite, and grounded
Bear has mentioned that all his boys grew up “tough but gentle,” reflecting their balanced upbringing.
Future Aspirations and Personality Traits
While his future path is unknown, Marmaduke has traits that hint at possible interests:
- Leadership qualities
- Outdoor survival skills
- A calm and strategic mind
- Strong family values
- A love for nature and physical challenges
He could be Bear’s legacy — or he could surprise us all and do something entirely else. Bear himself has said that he would never push television fame or adventure on his children, but wants them to choose for themselves.
Final Thoughts
Marmaduke Mickey Percy Grylls is not a typical celebrity child.
His life is shaped by:
- Adventure
- Nature
- Strong family values
- Privacy
- Balance
He is the embodiment of the modern mix of stable upbringing and extraordinary life experiences.
Bear and Shara are raising their son off the grid, and he is growing into a strong, competent, and humble young man—he’s no the spotlight, but he’s got plenty of potential.