While the Prince and Princess of Wales guard the privacy of their three children closely, we have been able to observe some insights into how they have raised the trio.
The Princess of Wales (back) with her children (L-R) Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte, on the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of VE Day last year(Image: PA)
As any parent will tell you, raising three children is a battle at the best of times – so imagine juggling that with being a real-life princess. Kate Middleton is admired around the world for her dedication to her responsibilities as a mother and her duties as a leading member of the Royal Family, as well as for her timeless sense of style.
And in recent years she’s faced the additional pressure of cancer treatment, having announced her diagnosis in March 2024. Happily, following a course of chemotherapy, in January 2025 she revealed she was in remission.
While the Princess of Wales and her husband Prince William guard the privacy of their children – Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven – closely, we have been able to observe some peeks into how they have raised the trio. One video on TikTok revealed an interesting insight into Kate’s parenting style.
The account royalredpanda0, which has more than 43,000 followers on TikTok, regularly provides insights into how members of the Royal Family behave in public. In a recent video they highlighted aspects of the Princess of Wales’ gentle parenting style, and how she has led by example in teaching her three children how to behave as members of the Royal Family.
Speaking over clips of Kate – who celebrates her 43rd birthday tomorrow, Friday – with her children, mostly when they were younger, the narration says: “Did you notice Catherine curtsying to a little boy? When a young boy tried to shake hands with George he was turned down.
“Catherine noticed and bent down to shake the boy’s hand herself. From then on George began agreeing to handshakes, and even reaching out first.
“This is Catherine’s unique approach to parenting. Unlike many parents, she never criticises her children’s impolite behaviour in public. Instead she teaches them what the right behaviour looks like through her own actions.”
Continuing with footage of Princess Charlotte as a toddler, the narration adds: “When faced with Charlotte’s playful mischief, Catherine always remains patient. She allows her to pet dogs on her own and walk up and down steps by herself, letting her learn independence within a safe environment.
“And Catherine’s care doesn’t stop with her own children. She sorts through the clothes George and Charlotte have outgrown and donates them to children in orphanages so they too can feel the warmth of being treated with kindness.”
Concluding over footage of a visit by Prince George and his father to The Passage, a homelessness charity in London last month, it says: “Now 12, George is following her example, preparing meals for the homeless and spreading kindness.”
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People in the comments were impressed by the video. One wrote: “(The) Princess of Wales is a wonderful mother, she teaches her children with love and shows how awesome that beautiful beautiful lady is.”
When the Prince of Wales appeared on podcast The Reluctant Traveller with actor Eugene Levy last year, he revealed a series of insights into the parenting style he and his wife follow. Among the rules followed in their household is that the children are not allowed mobile phones.
William also revealed he and his wife endeavour to provide their children with most normal upbringing possible. “I think it would surprise people to see how ordinary things are at home,” he said. “The children help with laying the table, clearing their plates when they’ve finished eating and helping with tidying up. There’s no preferential treatment.”
He added: “For me, the most important thing in my life is family, and everything is about the future and about if you don’t start the children off now with a happy, healthy, stable home, I feel you’re setting them up for a bit of a hard time and a fall.”