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