Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are experiencing a childhood that blends royal tradition with the warmth of family life. While their upbringing is undeniably unique, it is remarkably similar to that of their mother, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, rather than their father, Prince William. Kate’s approach to parenting is deeply influenced by her own experiences, particularly those shared with her grandmother.
In a 2020 episode of the “Happy Mum, Happy Baby” podcast, Kate revealed that her grandmother played a pivotal role in shaping her parenting philosophy. “I had an amazing granny who devoted a lot of time to us, playing with us, doing arts and crafts, and going to the greenhouse to do gardening, and cooking with us,” she shared. “And I try and incorporate a lot of the experiences that she gave us at the time into the experiences that I give my children now.”
Influence of Valerie Middleton
Though Kate did not specify which grandmother she was referring to, it is widely believed she was speaking of Valerie Middleton. This connection is further supported by Carole Middleton, Kate’s mother, who once described her mother-in-law as a “wonderful role model” she aspired to emulate.
Kate’s parenting style, which emphasizes spending time outdoors and engaging in creative activities, mirrors the experiences she had with her grandmother. The Princess of Wales often speaks about the importance of nature and family time, describing it as a “sanctuary” for her family. This sentiment was echoed in a video by Will Warr, where Kate shared her love for the outdoors following her recovery from a health scare.
“I’m happy when… I’m with my family outside in the countryside and we’re all filthy dirty,” Kate remarked, highlighting her preference for simple, joyful family moments.
Balancing Royal Duties and Family Life
The Prince and Princess of Wales prioritize a balanced family life, often clearing their schedules during school holidays to focus on their children. Prince William has spoken about the importance of aligning their family life with school timetables. “I do try to stick to school timetables as much as possible, so most days we’re in and out of school doing drop offs and pick ups,” he stated on Apple TV+’s “The Reluctant Traveler.”
This hands-on approach is a departure from traditional royal parenting. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond noted that William and Kate’s involvement in their children’s lives is “in a way neither Charles and Diana, nor the late Queen and Prince Philip ever were.” She praised their decision to minimize outside help, allowing their children to experience a more grounded upbringing.
“From the start they have cared for their children themselves as much as possible with minimal outside help,” Bond observed. “This is an unusual and enlightened decision by the couple.”
Legacy of Family Values
The emphasis on family values and the nurturing of their children’s development is a testament to Kate’s desire to pass down the cherished experiences she had with her grandmother. Over the summer, she mentioned that George, Charlotte, and Louis had been “crafting in every corner of the house,” a reflection of the creative activities she enjoyed as a child.
This approach not only strengthens the family bond but also ensures that the royal children grow up with a sense of normalcy, despite their unique circumstances. The Princess of Wales’s dedication to her family and her ability to blend royal responsibilities with personal values set a modern example for future generations.
As the royal couple continues to navigate their roles, their commitment to family life remains a cornerstone of their public and private personas. The influence of Kate’s grandmother, and the values instilled by her, will likely continue to shape the next generation of royals.
