Kate Middleton is taking a different path when it comes to raising her eldest son, Prince George, and it’s one that prioritizes his childhood over early royal preparation.
According to royal historian Marlene Koenig, the Princess of Wales focuses on being a loving and supportive mother rather than grooming George, 12, for his future role as king. While Prince William and King Charles have emphasized preparing him for the responsibilities ahead, Kate’s approach is to let him grow up with as much normalcy as possible.
Speaking with Us Weekly, Koenig explained that Kate’s role is shaped by her own position within the royal family. “She will never have a constitutional role, except as regent in a worst-case scenario, if George becomes king before age 18,” she said. “She is there to be the loving, supportive mum in everything George does, because he is her son first and foremost.”
Koenig noted that Kate’s long courtship with Prince William gave her valuable time to understand what royal life entails. “She and William dated for nearly 10 years before their engagement was announced, which allowed her the time and space to learn about her future life as a member of the Royal Family,” she said.
This experience, Koenig explained, has helped Kate balance her dual roles as the wife of the heir to the throne and as the mother of a future king. “In time, as the wife of the heir to the throne and eventually as a Queen Consort. She is also the mother of a future King.”
Kate’s parenting style has often been described as hands-on, with a focus on giving her children, George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis as normal an upbringing as possible within the constraints of royal life. For George, this means his mother prioritizes emotional support, guidance, and the freedom to enjoy his childhood before stepping fully into the public responsibilities that await him.
While his path to the throne is certain, Kate appears determined that her eldest son’s formative years will be shaped more by family life than by the weight of the crown.