Prince William and Kate Middleton refuse to give up one parenting duty despite their growing royal responsibilities

Prince William and Kate Middleton may be among the world’s most recognizable royals, but when it comes to raising their three children, they continue to prioritize one everyday responsibility themselves.

Even with demanding royal calendars and household staff available to them, the Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly insist on personally dropping off and picking up Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis from school, believing the routine plays an important role in giving their children as normal an upbringing as possible.

Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who worked for then-Prince Charles between 2004 and 2011, told InStyle that William and Kate have made the school run a regular part of family life rather than delegating it to others.

According to Harrold, the couple has worked closely with Lambrook School, where all three children are enrolled, to ensure their arrivals and departures are handled smoothly without disrupting other parents or pupils.

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The timing of the royal working day also helps make the routine possible. Because official engagements generally begin later in the morning, William and Kate are able to take their children to school before starting their public duties.

Harrold also noted that the Prince and Princess of Wales prefer to take on many day-to-day parenting responsibilities themselves, explaining that their household operates with fewer staff than previous generations of the royal family.

He further suggested that William is conscious of the image he wants to project as the future King, adding that he does not believe the Prince of Wales wants the public to see his children routinely driven to school by a chauffeur.

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Royal biographer Russell Myers, author of ‘William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story,’ has also said that William and Kate have focused on building a strong family life before expanding their public roles, describing it as a significant departure from how previous generations of the monarchy approached family and royal duties.

That philosophy extends well beyond the morning commute:

The Prince and Princess of Wales have reportedly established firm household rules designed to protect their children’s childhood while growing up in the public eye. 

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Among them is a strict no-smartphone policy for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, with the couple aiming to minimize distractions and encourage more face-to-face interaction.

Family dinners are also kept free from phones and other devices, giving everyone the opportunity to talk about their day without digital interruptions.

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Instead of spending their free time on screens, George, Charlotte, and Louis are encouraged to stay active through sports, outdoor play, music, and creative hobbies.

George enjoys football, rugby, field hockey, watercolor painting, and electric guitar lessons. Charlotte has developed interests in ballet, gymnastics, netball, football, and piano, while Louis has become known for his love of rugby, football, and spending time on the family’s backyard trampoline.

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Their family-first approach has also shaped how William and Kate organize their calendars. Reports have suggested the couple plans many of their royal commitments around school terms, holidays, and family routines whenever possible, allowing them to be present for important milestones while continuing to carry out their official responsibilities.

Those decisions reflect the parenting style William and Kate have become known for over the years, embracing the responsibilities of royal life while making space for the everyday routines they believe will give George, Charlotte, and Louis the most grounded childhood possible.