Kate Middleton and Prince William’s ‘unusual’ decision for George, Charlotte and Louis as they ‘can’t undo destiny’
The Prince and Princess of Wales's parenting approach is reportedly quite 'unusual' and they're following in the Middletons' footsteps
Kate and Prince William’s "unusual" parenting choice with Prince George, Charlotte comes as they realise they "can’t undo destiny".
Over the years the Prince and Princess of Wales have forged their own path as devoted parents and the future King and Queen Consort. Striking this balance between their public roles and private family time at Adelaide Cottage likely isn’t easy and fans only get rare glimpses of Prince George, Charlotte and Louis. Prince William and Kate’s parenting approach is reportedly rather "unusual", with the BBC’s former royal correspondent Jennie Bond declaring that they took an "enlightened" decision to be incredibly "hands-on" when it comes to raising their three children.
Getting candid with OK!, the royal expert expressed her belief that this, as well as the influence from Kate’s family, make all the difference in "grounding" George, Charlotte and Louis.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Revelatory Biography of the Future Queen by Robert Jobson | Was £22, Now £15 on pre-order at Amazon
Set for release on 1st August, this upcoming biography of the Princess of Wales explores how she became the woman she is today. Author Robert Jobson has spoken to sources on and off the record in the Royal Household and reflects on her beginnings and role as the future Queen Consort.
"They are hands-on parents in a way neither Charles and Diana, nor the late Queen and Prince Philip ever were," Jennie claimed, reflecting on other royal parenting approaches. "From the start they have cared for their children themselves as much as possible with minimal outside help."
She described this as Kate and Prince William’s "unusual and enlightened decision", adding that whilst you "can’t undo the destiny you were born into" you can "make life more of a family affair than an upbringing in palaces and castles would allow".
Prince William and Kate both do the school run during term-time and largely take a break from royal duties during school holidays. This is quite different to King Charles and Princess Anne’s experience growing up in the Royal Family. Princess Margaret’s Lady-in-Waiting, Lady Anne Glenconner, previously explained to OK! that Queen Elizabeth was away a lot due to the intense demands of her job.
"[King] Charles and Princess Anne were so small when she became Queen and she just had so much to do," Lady Glenconner alleged, before later adding, "It was rather like she had two families, because when she had Andrew and Edward she was able to spend much more time with them."
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Meanwhile, Kate previously told Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast about how she used to go on family holidays as a child and how her parents were there cheering her on at every sports match. This parenting style is something she and Prince William have reportedly been emulating and Jennie believes that Carole and Michael Middleton have a "normalising influence" on their grandchildren's lives.
She said, "[D]on’t underestimate the normalising influence of having a happy, ordinary couple as grandparents. Carole and Michael Middleton remain an integral part of the extended family unit as they come from ordinary backgrounds and offer a grounding for the children."
The Middletons are incredibly close to the Wales family and royal expert Duncan Larcombe once suggested that Prince William was raised "very different[ly]" and wants to follow their example with his own children.
"William has based his children's upbringing on the Middleton model - three children, affluent, but hardworking parents and lots of love in the house,” he alleged to OK!. “By the time Kate was in her early twenties, she counted her mother and father on the list of her best friends. That’s what William and Kate are aspiring to with their children, but they also have to drip-feed George, and to some extent Charlotte and Louis, into the public domain."
Having two very “hands-on” parents and “grounding” grandparents is likely something Prince George, Charlotte and Louis value highly as they grow up in the royal spotlight and appear at certain high-profile royal events.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Sienna Miller's edgy snake print boots are the bold take on stilettos you might actually consider copying
Want to spice up your autumn/winter boot collection? Take notes from Sienna's snake print moment
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Jennifer Garner's comfortable running trainers are a stylish must-have for autumn workouts
It's no secret that Jennifer Garner is a big fan of Brooks - but these running shoes have caught our eye for all the right seasons as autumn approaches
By Grace Walsh Published
-
Kate and Pippa Middleton upheld sweet family tradition in honour of mum Carole
The Princess of Wales and Pippa seem to have upheld a special tradition when they became mums and it was started by Carole
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's 'conflicted emotions' over George, Charlotte and Louis' school return - after time that 'can't have been easy'
The Princess of Wales could reportedly have mixed feelings about Prince George, Charlotte and Louis' school holidays coming to an end
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s favourite hobby that is ‘less than satisfying’ for King Charles
Kate Middleton's favourite hobby is one her father-in-law isn't a fan of and King Charles took up something else after finding it 'impossible'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole and Michael Middleton’s beautiful home ‘nearly’ had roof ‘blown off’ by Prince William
The Prince of Wales reportedly once almost blew the roof off the Middletons' home and it was revealed in Michael's wedding speech
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton once given chance to ‘back out’ of royal life thanks to Prince William’s selfless choice
Prince William revealed in their engagement interview that he'd wanted Kate to be able to 'back out' if she wanted, before it got 'too much'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's disastrous gift from Prince William that he'll 'never' be allowed to forget
Prince William once bought a surprising present for Kate that 'didn't go down well' and he has 'no idea' why he thought she'd like it
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton ‘courageously’ made one thing ‘very clear’ about Prince George, Charlotte and Louis to Royal Family
The Princess of Wales balances her royal role with life as a mother-of-three and she apparently made a key decision long ago
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's off-shoulder maxi dress was a dazzling example of why sapphire blue should be in every elegant wardrobe
We're still inspired by the Princess of Wales's bold blue maxi dress from 2016 and this colour is such a striking choice for special events
By Emma Shacklock Published