Kate Middleton and Prince William’s parenting style is reminiscent of Princess Diana’s ‘balanced’ approach claims royal expert
"I think they’ve done brilliantly with all their children"
A royal expert who knew Princess Diana has pointed out the similarities between the late Princess Diana and Kate Middleton and Prince William's parenting styles.
- Kate Middleton and Prince William's parenting style takes after Princess Diana's 'balanced' approach, a royal expert who knew Princess Diana has claimed.
- The expert pointed out that Kate and William, like Diana used to do, ensure that their children have both 'work days and play days' so they can 'balance' being a royal with being a child.
- In other royal news, The best parenting rules we’ve learnt from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Kate Middleton and Prince William's parenting style (such as gentle parenting) and skills have been under the public spotlight more than ever over these past two years;
First with the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations where Kate was praised for how 'comfortable' Prince Louis felt in showing off his true emotions in public, then with the Queen's state funeral where her parenting showed 'how confident and intuitive she is as a mother,' and most recently with King Charles III's Coronation, with both Kate and William's 'realistic' parenting preventing Prince Louis having a mini-meltdown.
Their parenting style has been influenced by a myriad of factors, perhaps least by royal protocol which the couple have showed they are happy to deviate from. Kate's interest in early childhood development has reportedly taught the pair a ‘radical new way of parenting,’ the 'mistakes' William's father made in his own childhood have influenced how he's bringing up his children, and the pair also take inspiration from Kate's own parents' '‘down-to-earth’ parenting style.
And, while King Charles likely doesn't approve of it as he also doesn't agree with not giving Prince George 'special treatment,' the Prince and Princess of Wales have also taken on the 'balanced' parenting approach of William's late mother Princess Diana, who passed away in 1997.
Speaking about the couple's approach to parenting, royal expert Jennie Bond, who knew William's mother Princess Diana, told OK! Magazine, "I think they’ve done brilliantly with all their children. It makes me think of some of my conversations with William’s mother, Diana.
"I remember her telling me that she was adamant that she would give them work days and play days. On work days, William and Harry knew that they had to be like royal princes, and they had to dress like a prince and behave like a prince and be on show like a prince — but on play days, they could put on their jeans and baseball caps and go and eat a burger and drive a go-kart crazily around a track.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
"Diana thought deep down that it was really important to give them that balance. I think that William and Catherine have done the same with their children. Particularly with George. He has been gradually exposed to the banks of cameras and the publicity and I think they have struck a very good balance with it."
The expert's comments follow the major shake up of the royal line of succession that has seen the Wales children, Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, move up into second, third and fourth in line to the throne respectively.
With the pressure that comes with such responsibility at those young ages, the success of William and Kate's gentle parenting approach that's been praised by parenting experts can be seen in the kids' impeccable public behaviour and their individual personalities that shine through during public engagements.
At just eight-years-old, Princess Charlotte is already ‘becoming a standout star’ of the Royal Family and, although she reportedly 'knows George is different to her and Louis', the so-called 'spare' doesn't feel less-than her brother as her parents are prioritising 'family time' over royal engagements and not giving Prince George any 'special treatment.'
Similarly, Prince Louis has been described as showing 'typical third child behaviour' who has a higher confidence and a 'bolder personality' than his siblings despite being the youngest.
Speaking about Prince George's behaviour in particular during last month's Easter celebrations, Jennie Bond told OK! Magazine, "On Easter Sunday, we saw what looked like a pretty confident young man — I suppose we could almost call him now. I think we saw the evolution of a competent young prince. I hope so, because it’s a tough role he’s got — privileged, but tough."
Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse is royal news and entertainment writer for Goodto.com. She began her freelance journalism career after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with an MA in Magazine Journalism, receiving an NCTJ diploma, and earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Journalism at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has also worked with BBC Good Food and The Independent.
-
15 baby names parents love but 'don't feel cool enough' to use - would you choose one?
These baby names are a 'guilty pleasure' for parents
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
Half of Gen Z say their parents 'don't take my mental health concerns seriously', research shows - here are 3 ways to help support older children
With research showing that half of teens and young adults feel their parents don't take their mental health concerns seriously, we share how you can show your support.
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
James Middleton shares sweet childhood photo of Kate Middleton as he promises to stick by his sister following cancer diagnosis
The Princess of Wales' family are rallying around her amid news of her cancer diagnosis
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Rumours about Kate Middleton’s health have had a massive ‘impact’ on her children Prince George, Charlotte and Louis, reveals royal expert
"They are protective of their mother – especially as she has been unwell"
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton may break longstanding tradition for Prince Louis’ birthday celebrations this year - and the reason is completely understandable
Prince Louis will celebrate his 6th birthday next month - but his parents may break from tradition for the celebrations
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William reveals the one habit he wishes both parents and kids would give up for good - but proves it’s easier said than done
The Prince of Wales is worried about the impacts of one habit both children and parents are 'guilty' of
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Diana’s brother reveals ‘difficult’ job he undertook for his sister when she became a royal - and shares her biggest childhood fear
Earl Charles Spencer has revealed the one thing Diana was 'terrified' of in childhood - and many will relate
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William is ‘determined’ that Prince George, Charlotte and Louis will never experience the ‘same emotional turmoil’ as he did growing up
The Prince had a 'difficult childhood' and wants better for his own children
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Charlotte planned the most thoughtful treat for her mum Kate Middleton - and it’s the perfect way for any child to bond with their parent
The youngster is reportedly 'going overboard' to look after her mum while she recovers from surgery
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
King Charles and Prince William are ‘like many fathers and sons’ and refuse to ‘admit’ to this one very relatable thing
As royals, their relationship may be unique but they're like any other father and son when it comes down to it
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published