PALACE PARENTING
Kate Middleton’s ‘golden rule’ for Prince George, Charlotte and Louis – and she learned it from Princess Diana
We revealed what happens if the royal kids misbehave
THE ROYAL children are watched by millions of fans when they step out for public events and they are often on their best behaviour.
This is partly down to the fact that the Princess of Wales is a very hands-on parent and uses a number of clever tricks from the late Princess Diana and her own mum Carole Middleton.
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Kate Middleton’s golden rule for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis is about kindness.
According to Royal Correspondent: "Based on observations of photographs of Princess Diana at the time, and the current Princess of Wales, they are both very affectionate with their children.
"Kate is often seen holding her children's hands or picking them up for cuddles when they were smaller.
"There are often lots of comforting gestures, such as a pat on the back or stroking their hair. When interacting with other children on her public engagements, Kate often crouches down to their level to engage with them – something that Diana would often do."
When she's at the family's home of Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, despite her royal status, insiders say Kate is just like any other "normal mum".
A friend explained that behind closed doors, the 42-year-old is "very chilled at home" but definitely not a pushover and will tell the kids off when needed.
They : "It's a normal, busy family home with kids running around and knocking things over. There's no airs and graces.
"She is doing that to help her children be more grounded and keep their reality in check. That's what really matters to her."
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As a result of Kate’s ‘no pushover’ parenting style, it turns out that she also has a strict rule around the house that she and the children must follow - no shouting.
An insider previously told Fabulous: "Shouting is absolutely 'off limits' for the children and any hint of shouting at each other is dealt with by removal."
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But unlike many households, where children are sent off to their bedrooms or to the naughty step when they misbehave, the royal couple have a different technique - the sofa chat.
The source added: "The naughty child is taken away from the scene of the row or disruption and talked to calmly by either Kate or William.
"Things are explained and consequences outlined and they never shout at them."
When interacting with other children on her public engagements, Kate often crouches down to their level to engage with them – something that Diana would often do.
Danielle Stacey
Not only does Kate employ discipline techniques at home, it’s been reported that she also has a secret code she uses if she feels she needs to calm her children down when in public.
Author Tom Quinn wrote in his book : "When Prince Louis misbehaved at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee, for example, by sticking his tongue out at his mother, Kate's reaction was praised by teams of expert commentators.
"She apparently used a secret code to calm the children, as she does on occasions - she simply says, 'Let's take a break'.
"But as a former staffer explained, the children know these few words carry far more weight than we might imagine."
Kate Middleton's down-to-earth school run look
Whilst we have previously seen stunning images of Kate dropping the children off at Lambrook School, it turns out, on a day-to-day basis, things are much less glossy than you may imagine.
A friend told the : "There are no blow-dries - it's always hair up in a ponytail.
"She's either in her gym clothes, or a dress and sneakers, very little makeup, apologising as she's late for the school run before dashing off.
“It's the life of a working mum with three young children - just a different sort of day job to most."
In fact, when George and Charlotte attended their previous school of St Thomas' in South London, it was reported that parents barely gave Kate a second glance during drop off and pick ups.
One parent told the : "No one really gives Kate a second glance when she does the school drop-off.
"We have a Victoria's Secret model doing the school run, too, and the dads are far more interested in her."
Prince William, Kate and their three kids spent the Easter holidays at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, with the future king being seen in the pub with Carole.
Kate has taken a break from royal duties following planned abdominal surgery in January, and her announcement that cancer has been found.
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She was last seen on public duty on Christmas Day, and has been unable to carry out official engagements since having her operation.
She is unlikely to return until after April 17 when her children go back to Lambrook School, near Ascot, following the Easter holidays.
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