How Prince William and Kate Middleton are raising Prince George to live a ‘normal life’

Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly believe ‘open communication’ is key

Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge during their visit to Starbank Park on May 27, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland
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Prince William and Kate Middleton have reportedly taken a “modern" parenting approach as they seek to give future king Prince George and his siblings a “normal life” despite their royal roles. 


Prince William and Kate Middleton have the difficult job of balancing their royal responsibilities with raising their three children and it seems they've strayed from the traditional royal approach when it comes to parenting. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed their first child, Prince George, back in 2013 and though it might seem like only yesterday, he recently celebrated his 8th birthday

This came soon after George delighted royal fans with his appearance at the Euros 2020 final, which was seen as a "clever way" to introduce him to royal life. George and his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, have been glimpsed at public events more often in recent years as they’ve grown older. 

However, despite George’s future role as king, his parents are reportedly keen for him to “live a normal life” until this milestone moment. Opening up to Us Weekly on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s parenting approach, a source is said to have described the pair as “strict but fair”.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge clap for NHS carers

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According to the publication, the source alleged, “The royals are renowned for being ‘stiff upper lip’, but William and Kate have a more modern approach to parenting and are moving away from that mentality.”

Whilst it seems one aspect is particularly crucial to the royal couple, as the source claimed, “Open communication is key for them. … [But they] set boundaries and have rules in place.”

They added that both Prince William and Kate Middleton want their children “to express their emotions and ask questions to enable them to grow up as healthy adults”. 

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Louis of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge watch a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Prince George in particular faces a huge amount of responsibility once he enters adulthood. As a future king himself, Prince William likely very much appreciates what it’s like to grow up knowing the significant royal role lies ahead. Though the Cambridges are said to be keen to preserve a level of normalcy for him until this fateful day arrives.

“Kate and William want George to have a normal life”, the source explained, expressing their belief that the couple “don’t want him to grow up too quickly”.

The insider continued, “He’s not called Prince George at school and is simply known as George, he mixes with children his own age. Kate and William don’t shower him with expensive gifts nor do they over spoil him. … George makes his bed every morning...

"All the children have impeccable manners and always say please and thank you.”

Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, accompanied by her father, Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, her mother, Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and brother, Britain's Prince George of Cambridge, arrives for her first day of school at Thomas's Battersea

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Prince William and Kate Middleton certainly seem to have approached raising their three children in a refreshingly down-to-earth way. Earlier this year, Kate is said to have assigned Prince George and Princess Charlotte a budget to pay for their own things when the family went shopping in London, with no extravagant shopping sprees in sight. 

Whilst her passion for outdoor learning led to her supporting Princess Charlotte’s unique lockdown hobby as she ensured the three children got plenty of fresh air and enjoyed time in nature. 

As Prince William and Kate Middleton's children grow older, it's wonderful to think that their parents have given them the time and space to ask meaningful questions and enjoy their childhood years. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!