Kate Middleton Wants Future King Prince George To Have A Normal Childhood
It was previously reported that the Prince and Princess of Wales took their time in telling Prince George, 12, about what lies ahead, to allow him to have as much of a "normal" childhood as possible.
And although the young prince is now said to be aware of what the future holds, his parents still want to give him the most normal upbringing as possible. This could even mean continuing to travel with his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, despite former royal protocol suggesting heirs stop flying with family members after turning 12.
The Princess Of Wales Doesn't Want Prince George To Feel 'Lonely'
According to The Times' senior royal writer Kate Mansey, writing in an intimate profile ahead of Kate's birthday, the Princess of Wales wants to "get it right" with Prince George's upbringing. The profile explains that she is deeply conscious of how isolating life as a future monarch can be, and wants to make sure her son never feels "lonely."
"Motherhood is daunting enough, but the stakes are even higher when you're raising a king," the profile read, while also noting that Prince George doesn't always act like a prince, and is used to "helping on errands."
Kate is reportedly keen for all three of her children to feel as normal as possible – which is why she reportedly insists on doing the school run herself, rather than leaving it to the family's longtime nanny, Maria Borrallo.
Kate Middleton Has Spoken Openly About 'Mom Guilt'
The Princess of Wales has been candid about the pressures of motherhood on several occasions over the years. Speaking on Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast in 2020, she admitted that she experiences "mom guilt" just like any other parent. "Yes absolutely – and anyone who doesn't as a mother is actually lying!" she said at the time.
Reflecting on their conversation in The Times' profile, Fletcher revealed that Kate often joked about how "feral" all three of her children can be – something many see as proof that they're happy, healthy children who are indeed being raised with a sense of normalcy.
The Princess of Wales has previously linked that approach to her own upbringing. On the podcast, she described having a "happy childhood" herself, and said it was the simplest moments that left the biggest impression, such as family walks. She revealed that giving her kids a "safe" and "happy home" has always been a priority, with outdoor time considered non-negotiable.
Fan Comments
"The three children seem happy, healthy, kind, well-adjusted and very polite. I think William and Catherine are doing a wonderful job," gushed one fan on a Daily Mail article,
"Looks to me she's doing a great job," praised a second, as a third echoed: "I think Prince George is fabulous as are his siblings. Kate is doing a great job." A fourth exclaimed: "The Wales family is wonderful!"
"What pressure? She is doing an amazing job with her children," raved a fifth fan, as a sixth chimed in: "Catherine is doing the stable-happy-upbringing bit, William, who was mentored by the late Queen, can do the Royal protocol bit. Between them I think they are doing a good job." A seventh added: "I never cease to admire this worthy woman, princess."