Relatable Kate
Key life lessons Kate Middleton is teaching George, Charlotte & Louis – from conquering fears to Diana’s ‘golden rule’
Kate Middleton has taken a key parenting tip from her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana
THERE'S no denying that George, Charlotte and Louis are three of the most famous children in the world.
But that hasn't stopped stopping parents Kate Middleton, 42, and Prince William, 41, from trying to give the young royals as 'normal' an upbringing as possible.
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While that may be tricky considering they're constantly in the public eye, the Prince and Princess of Wales have previously revealed the values and life lessons they've instilled in the children.
And she's even taken parenting tips from her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana...
TRYING NEW THINGS
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The Princess of Wales is all about trying new hobbies and sports - and her inquisitive nature is something she's hoping will rub off onto her children.
During a visit to Nottingham Trent University in 2023, Kate highlighted the importance of putting yourself out of your comfort zone and throwing yourself into new things.
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"I remember university for me was one of those great opportunities to try out new hobbies, and that has carried through now," she said.
"I loved trying out new things, and challenging myself, whether (in) sports, music, or art."
“It’s one of the things with my kids too, just trying out new things, and university for me was when I learned to try out because there is so much on offer."
She continued: “I love being outside and being a part of all the different sports clubs, so doing things like hockey and tennis at university.
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"But I also tried out the photography club at university, which was great and I met totally new friends, and that’s something I continue to love and enjoy now."
And it's not only sports and photography that keen tennis player Kate has also turned her hand to.
Inside relatable Prince William’s dad life with George, Charlotte & Louis – his secret house rule & go-to bedtime book
In August 2021, the mum-of-three revealed that she'd been trying to get the hang of knitting, although admitted she's "really rubbish" at it.
Hello! reported that the royal made the confession to a group of royal fans during a visit to Glasgow and is believed to have said: "I've been trying to knit and I'm really bad. I should be asking for tips!"
However, it's more well-known that Kate has a passion for gardening.
I remember university for me was one of those great opportunities to try out new hobbies, and that has carried through now
Kate Middleton
Not only did she design a garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show back in 2019 but, during a previous visit to Wales, Prince William revealed: "My wife does all the gardening.
“I really like it but I have no idea what I’m doing.”
FACE YOUR FEARS
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Kate Middleton unveiled one of her life's biggest mottos when she became the first member of the royals to take part in the CBeebies Bedtime Story - to face your fears head on.
The royal chose to read The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark by Jill Tomlinson, which tells the story of baby barn owl Plop, who is helped by others to grow in confidence and overcome his fears.
Kate commented: "Wow, what an encouraging tale.
"We can all feel scared sometimes just like our little owl friend Plop, but as Mrs Barn Own said, 'It’s better to find out about the things that scare us before we make up our mind'.
"And with the help of others, we can often face things that worry us. Now it’s time for bed. Night night and sleep tight."
We can all feel scared sometimes just like our little owl friend Plop, but as Mrs Barn Own said, 'It’s better to find out about the things that scare us before we make up our mind'
Kate Middleton
A source at the time said: "The duchess personally selected the book because it chimes with children's mental health week.
"The theme of the week is growing together and the book is about an owl who overcomes their fear of the dark.
"She enjoyed reading the book as a child and reads it to her three children now."
A WARM EMBRACE
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The mum-of-three previously told how hugs and affection are “very important” in the Cambridge household.
During an engagement at Basildon Sporting Centre, Kate met fan Janet Emery and spoke about how essential a warm embrace is within her family.
As Janet leaned in to offer the royal a hug, the mum-of-three pointed out: "Hugs are very important. That's what I tell my children."
Along with hugs, Kate and William also feel strongly about raising awareness on the importance of mental health.
Speaking to CALM magazine, Prince William previously said: "Catherine and I are clear that we want both George and Charlotte to grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings.”
USING PRINCESS DIANA'S PARENTING TIP
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The Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly using one of the late Princess Diana's parenting tips in a bid to give their children a 'normal' upbringing.
As reports, the down-to-earth royals have encouraged their children to write thank you notes just like Diana did with a young William and Harry.
Royal expert Andrew Morton told how the late royal was eager for Prince Harry and William to be exposed to life outside the Palace and commented: "She took the young royals with her on her private charity visits from a young age.
"One of the reasons was she didn't want the boys to grow up thinking the whole world was 4x4 Range Rovers, shotguns and nannies."
Meanwhile, a source claimed that Kate and William have adopted a similar approach with their own children.
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They said: "[William and Kate] have developed this brilliant knack of letting as much as they can seem spontaneous and that’s how the children see it.
"Table manners, thank you letters, little courtesies are being drilled into the children so they become automatic.";
Princess Kate's message in full
I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.
It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I've had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful.
However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that
treatment.
This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to
George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.
As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you.
It means so much to us both. We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.
My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope.
You are not alone.
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