How Kate Middleton's non-royal childhood is helping shape Prince George as future king
The Princess of Wales is both 'protecting' and 'preparing' her son for royal life with this 'massive balancing act'
How Kate Middleton's non-royal childhood is helping shape Prince George as future king - but it's said to be a 'massive balancing act'.
The Princess of Wales has had a relatively regular childhood, compared to her husband Prince William who grew up in the Royal Family and under the watchful eyes of the media.
A recent visit to Eton college gave Prince George his first taste of boarding school life should he follow in the footsteps of his dad whilst over the upcoming summer holidays the Wales' will take steps to protect their children's privacy.
But as Kate and William take on more responsibilities as future King and Queen, they are also preparing their eldest child, Prince George, who turns 10 on his next birthday later this month, for role as future monarch - as he is second in line to the throne in the royal line of succession.
Kate's non-royal background is helping her deliver her 'relatable' parenting style when raising her kids.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
"It's a massive balancing act," a palace insider told PEOPLE exclusively in this week's magazine cover story. "William and Kate are doing the right thing, protecting him so he can have as normal a childhood as possible, but he's also dipping into duties as a future monarch."
The insider added, "He’s getting firsthand experience of what it’s like to be a royal and a monarch and firsthand experience of being a normal boy."
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
And this balancing act has become evident in recent months. Prince George's royal presence has stepped up since King Charles took over as monarch - having more prestigious roles to play like his Page of Honour role at the King's Coronation. It was his first 'official' formal role.
But Kate has helped him balance this with hobbies and quality family time. Kate Middleton was raised by her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and attended Downe House as a youngster before moving to a new college after bully's reportedly left her unhappy.
The insider explained, "Coming from a different background, she appreciates the
importance of having family time. She wasn't brought up in that aristocratic setting where you see the children for a short time each day."
Kate revealed Prince George's love of rugby and he recently joined his dad in the stands to watch a cricket match but sparked concern after he was spotted 'screwing up his eyes'.
And Kate's brother, James Middleton - who is uncle to Prince George, spoke out earlier this year about the Wales' kids being 'lucky' to have pet dog Orla in their lives.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
And while the family has the extra help of a Norland Nanny, Kate and William often take it in turns to do the school run where they can and are even said to be using their schooling to change the way they take on royal life - prioritising family time with their kids over long overseas tours.
Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)
-
Baby name trends for 2025 leave us baffled (but secretly liking them - hi there Elio and Circe)
The coming year could see some seriously cool and also incredibly wacky baby names doing the rounds, according to experts in the field.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
6 early signs your child could have dyslexia, according to experts
Education experts have identified six early indicators of dyslexia, and strategies to support your child if they receive a diagnosis.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Pippa Middleton’s key parenting choice that Prince George, Charlotte and Louis are massively benefiting from
An expert has revealed how Pippa's important decision has impacted not only her sister Kate Middleton but also her young nieces and nephews
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s surprising tactic to keep Prince George, Charlotte and Louis off their screens
The Wales family were spotted enjoying a 'wholesome' family day out in Norfolk - and revealed their brilliant hack for entertaining the kids
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William soothes Prince George with this 'protective' parenting tactic, says Royal expert (did you spot it?)
The Prince of Wales has a 'protective' parenting style and always keeps an eye on his kids and their emotions
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton’s heartbreaking plea to King Charles over Prince George, Charlotte and Louis
The Princess of Wales has never been afraid to stand up for her three young children
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince George, Charlotte and Louis set off for holiday spot that holds Prince William’s ‘saddest memories’
As per tradition, the Wales family will head to a very poignant UK holiday destination this summer
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Diana could be about to spark Prince Harry and Prince William’s reconciliation, with adorable 'saved' childhood memory
The two princes shared an incredibly close bond growing up
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton laid out ‘bold’ family priorities in candid conversation with Queen Elizabeth II, new book reveals
The Princess of Wales has always been clear about she plans to raise her three children
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince George, Charlotte and Louis bound by ‘strict rule’ when it comes to public life, royal expert reveals
The children are 'destined' to grow up in the public eye, but Prince William and Kate Middleton are setting certain boundaries
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published