Prince William appears to be following in Prince Harry’s footsteps by making major decisions about his children’s upbringing, despite strong objections from King Charles. According to royal expert Hilary Fordwich, the Prince of Wales is breaking away from the royal family’s traditional methods in raising his three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, whom he shares with Kate Middleton.
William hopes to give his children a relatively normal upbringing, unlike the one he experienced as a future king amid the shadow of his parents’ troubled marriage. Fox Digital News, Fordwich revealed that William and Kate are “hands-on” parents, who prioritise their children while balancing royal responsibilities.
Although the Prince and Princess of Wales have shown no signs of stepping away from their roles as working royals, their approach to parenting mirrors that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped away from their roles as working royals in 2020 to live away from the strict rules and regulations of the royal family and provide their children with a normal upbringing.
“Prince William and Kate Middleton’s parenting style is extremely practical by royal standards,” Fordwich told the publication. “Those who have traveled with and hosted Prince William and his eldest son, Prince George, have commented on their close bond and even their similar mannerisms.”
She added that William “longs for normality after his tumultuous childhood” and noted: “One of the great appeals that Kate had for William was her stable family.” “Those closest to her have always said that she and Prince William wanted the children to live ‘in the real world, not in a gilded bubble’. They want them to grow up having the same experiences as other children.”
This decision is taken despite King Charles’ concerns. According to Robert Jobson’s upcoming book, Catherine, Princess of WalesKing Charles has expressed concern to William about the frequent use of helicopters to transport his family, especially children.
William’s determination to give his children a more robust education means a shift in royal parenting norms, echoing the path taken by his brother, Prince Harry. As he and Kate tackle their royal duties and parenting, they continue to prioritize a balance that allows their children to experience life outside the royal bubble.