Prince William’s father, as Prince of Wales, had a staff of his own, including four cooks, a butler, three valets, a dresser, four assistants and five housekeepers.
But the domestic life of the current Prince and Princess of Wales could not be further from that of the King. While William and Kate employ staff during the day to manage their busy work schedules, after school they prefer to raise their children alone.
That includes George, Charlotte and Louis pitching in with household chores. And, to give an insight into what life is like behind the royal veil, a source said last night: “I think people would be surprised to see how ordinary things are at home.
“Children help set the table, clear away the plates when they finish eating, and clean up. There is no preferential treatment.”
The royal couple decided two years ago that Maria Teresa Turrión Borrallo, the family’s former live-in nanny, would not move in with them when they moved to Windsor from Kensington Palace.
The Prince and Princess of Wales prefer to raise their children without hiring staff in Windsor
George, Charlotte and Louis help out with household chores, such as setting the table and helping to tidy up.
Instead of turning to more help since being diagnosed with cancer, Kate is determined to make sure things stay normal for her children.
During the princess’s cancer treatment and recovery, it has also emerged that rather than resorting to hiring more help, Kate has been determined to ensure that her children’s home life is not disrupted and that things remain as “normal as possible” at home for them.
As a result, children have not received any special treatment and have been expected to carry on with their household chores.
Evenings at their four-bedroom rural retreat, Adelaide Cottage, are spent just between them, taking turns cooking.
The source said: ‘Catherine is very, very natural. She keeps the family grounded.
“Home is a safe place. In an effort to keep things running as smoothly as possible, she has wanted to keep things as usual for the children.” The source added: “The children are expected to do their chores and pitch in around the house.”
The princess’s own upbringing is reflected in how she raises her offspring, and is very different from that of her husband William, whose meals as a child were often spent with nannies.
The Waleses attended a carol service at Westminster Abbey last December
The Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children at the Royal Standard Parade in June
The princess’s own upbringing is reflected in how she raises her children, and is very different from that of her husband William, whose meals as a child were often spent with nannies.
The couple have a repertoire of dishes they enjoy cooking, from curry to teriyaki salmon, and when she needs help, Kate can turn to her mother Carole for assistance.
The source added: “She has a lovely, supportive family to fall back on, which helps her. But she wants to show her children the importance of keeping their feet on the ground and staying in touch with people.”
Meanwhile, the King is announcing the addition of two more chefs to the royal household at Buckingham Palace and other royal homes throughout the year.
A sous chef and a chef de partie are being sought, and the job advert closing today says: ‘Experience in both high-volume catering and classic French cuisine would be an advantage.’
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