Paul McCartney’s relationship with Julian Lennon makes more sense when we look at how both Paul and John felt about children.
Paul grew up in a warm, close family. He had a brother he was very close to, and he was surrounded by many cousins while growing up. Because of this, Paul naturally developed a strong sense of care, affection, and responsibility toward children. This side of him became very clear when he met Linda Eastman. From the very beginning of their relationship, Paul treated Linda’s daughter, Heather, as his own child. His love and dedication to her have continued throughout his life.
John Lennon, however, had a very different upbringing. He grew up largely as an only child and was raised by his aunt, who was not especially affectionate. He had half-sisters, but he only saw them occasionally and never formed a close bond with them while growing up. Before the birth of his second son, Sean, John did not seem particularly interested in children or in being a hands-on father.
If someone knew nothing about Paul or John and had to guess which one would naturally take on a strong fatherly role based purely on their backgrounds, they might easily assume it was Paul.
Years later, this difference became very clear in Julian Lennon’s life. When Yoko Ono decided to sell some of John Lennon’s personal belongings—including letters, drawings, and other items Julian had given to his father as a child—Julian was devastated. These were deeply personal memories, and he wanted to keep them. Julian asked Yoko if he could have the items, but she told him that if he wanted them, he would have to buy them at auction.
Fearing that these precious pieces of his childhood might be lost forever, Julian turned to Paul McCartney, whom he affectionately called “Uncle Paul.” Paul did not hesitate. He generously gave Julian the money he needed so that he could buy back his own letters and drawings and keep those memories safe.
This moment showed that, even though Paul was not Julian’s biological father, he often acted as a more caring and supportive parental figure in Julian’s life than John ever had.
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