The Prince and Princess of Wales are doting parents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. It isn’t every day that the couple step out with their brood in public, but fans of William and Kate have gained new insights into their life as a family away from public view in the new book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, by royal editor Russell Myers.
Offering new details from the last few years in particular, the book reveals the routine that is particularly important to William and Kate as they raised their young family.
William’s ‘ordinary’ approach to parenting a future king
In the book, Myers recalls a moment William spoke to royal journalist Nicholas Witchell, asking the prince when he realised he was not from an “ordinary” family, and when he might prepare George for the same revelation.
“As far as we are concerned, within our family unit, we are a normal family. I love my children in the same way any father does, and I hope George loves me the same way any son does his father. We are very normal in that sense,” William responded.
“There’ll be a time and a place to bring George up and understand how he fits in, in the world. But right now it’s just a case of keeping a secure, stable environment around him and showing as much love as I can as a father.”
How do William and Kate raise their children?
Myers went on to reveal how they, in fact, maintain a stable environment. “This balance of normality above all else was William and Catherine’s guiding light. Central to that was being at home as much as they could, making sure one of them did the school run and not working weekends, outside of observing major events in the royal calendar such as the sovereign’s birthday or Remembrance Sunday.”
A simple act like taking their children to school (and not passing this duty over to their Norland nanny, Maria Teresa Turrión Borrallo) can have a wealth of benefits for George, 12, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, seven, says HCPC-registered senior education and child psychologist Dr. Sasha Hall.
© Pool“Those small daily transitions – like walking or driving your child to school – are often more meaningful than they might appear. For young children especially, these predictable moments help create a sense of emotional safety at the start of the day,” she says.
“The school run also gives parents a rare pocket of one-to-one time. Even a short walk or a few minutes in the car can become a moment of connection where children share small worries, excitement about the day ahead, or simply chat.”
How the school run helps them bond
Dr Sasha also explains that for some children, going into school can feel a little daunting, so that time with a parent just beforehand can provide a final moment of reassurance and help them feel safe before separating.
© Getty“There is also a social aspect for children,” she adds. “They notice when other children arrive with their parents or carers, so being part of that shared routine can help them feel included rather than left out.
© Getty Images“More broadly, routine is very regulating for children. When mornings follow a familiar pattern, children tend to feel calmer and more prepared to begin the school day,” the child psychologist continues.
“For some families, doing the school drop-off is not always possible because of work schedules or breakfast clubs, but the same sense of connection can still happen in those earlier moments together, whether that is chatting on the way to breakfast club or sharing a few calm minutes before the day begins.”
How does Kate behave at her children’s school?
This dedication to their children’s daily routines extends far beyond the morning drop-off. Unlike official royal engagements, where Kate garners attention from the public, her school drop-offs are purposely under-the-radar. However, while speaking exclusively to HELLO! at the world premiere of The Real Housewives of London, one of the reality show’s leading ladies revealed a sweet insight into Kate’s dedication to her children.
© Getty“I see her quite a few times because my son’s school plays against her son’s school,” Panthea Parker revealed. “They play rugby and football against each other, so we’re always at her school or my school.
“I do see her a lot, but not to talk to, just from afar. So classy, so lovely, and she never misses any of her children’s matches, so really amazing. And nor do I, otherwise how do I know that?”
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