> At a Glance
> – Paul McCartney dotes on eight grandchildren ranging from 14 to 26 years old
> – His nickname “Grandude” was coined by grandson Beckett and stuck
> – The Beatle has written two picture books inspired by his grandkids
> – Why it matters: Shows how the music legend balances global fame with family life
Paul McCartney’s eight grandchildren call him Grandude, a playful twist born when grandson Beckett once greeted him with “Hey, Grandude!” The nickname stuck across the family, inspiring two children’s books and plenty of quality time together.
The Grandude Tradition
McCartney treasures the time he spends with his grandkids, even though they don’t live nearby. He and wife Nancy pick the kids up from school, share holidays, and enjoy impromptu ice-cream runs.
> “I love them and I love being a granddad,” McCartney told Virgin Radio. “It’s great fun… it’s the biggest ad-lib.”
Meet the Eight Grandchildren
| Name | Age | Parents | Quick Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur Donald | 26 | Mary & Alistair | Yale history grad, investor |
| Elliot Donald | 22 | Mary & Alistair | Attends NYU, keeps low profile |
| Miller Willis | 20 | Stella & Alasdhair | Drew GapKids T-shirt at age 4 |
| Bailey Willis | 19 | Stella & Alasdhair | Named after Linda McCartney |
| Beckett Willis | 18 | Stella & Alasdhair | Coined “Grandude” nickname |
| Sam Aboud | 17 | Mary & Simon | Plays soccer and piano |
| Reiley Willis | 15 | Stella & Alasdhair | Arrived as Stella launched kidswear line |
| Sid Aboud | 14 | Mary & Simon | Loves soccer and guitar |
Keeping Life Normal
Daughter Stella insists on a grounded upbringing, shuttling the kids between their London schools and the family’s Wiltshire farm. No public social media accounts and plenty of muddy fields keep fame at arm’s length.
> “I love seeing them with Grandpa,” Stella said. “They’re real proud of him.”
From Family to Page
McCartney turned the “Grandude” moniker into two picture books, Hey Grandude! and Grandude’s Green Submarine. He celebrates the stories as a tribute to grandparents everywhere.
> “I love that it has become a book read to grandkids at bedtime all around the world,” he told News Of Los Angeles.
Key Takeaways
- Eight grandkids span 12 years in age, balancing school and early careers
- McCartney’s hands-on grandparenting includes school runs and holiday trips
- The nickname “Grandude” launched a global children’s book series
- Despite fame, the family prioritizes privacy and normal childhood experiences
From Yale classrooms to London soccer fields, McCartney’s grandchildren are growing up with a rock-legend granddad who’d rather be known for bedtime stories and ice-cream runs than stadium tours.
