Just a few days after the whirlwind of excitement surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, the royal family showed us another side of their lives. At the Houghton Horse Trials, Kate Middleton was seen holding Princess Charlotte’s hand as the little royal indulged in an ice cream. Meanwhile, Prince George got to explore an air ambulance vehicle. This fun, laid-back day out perfectly reflects how Kate and William are raising their kids. “They’ve taken on very hands-on parenting roles, all in an effort to give their children as normal an upbringing as possible,” royals expert James McCourt exclusively told Closer Weekly in the magazine’s latest issue, now available on newsstands.
Parenting Under the Spotlight
But let’s be real here—parenting is never easy, especially when you’re in the public eye. Kate, 36, and William, 35, are not only dealing with the everyday challenges of raising kids but also navigating the tricky waters of keeping them safe. A recent terrorist threat specifically targeting George added a whole new layer of stress to their lives. Yet, William admitted, “I’m a lot more emotional than I used to be. You get affected by things that happen around the world a lot more, as a father.” It’s clear that both parents are acutely aware of the dangers but are determined to shield their children from the fear.
Strength in Parenting
Kate, too, has spoken about her concerns but draws strength from her own upbringing. “My parents… provided me with a secure childhood where I always knew I was loved, valued, and listened to,” she shared. That’s precisely what she and William aim to give their children—George, 4, Charlotte, 3, and baby Prince Louis—despite the heightened security concerns. They’re going about it in very specific ways to ensure their kids feel safe and loved.
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After the recent threat, Kate and William “upped their security team,” according to an insider who spoke to Closer. Now, three to five plainclothes guards accompany the family whenever they leave Kensington Palace. These guards are “expertly trained armed officers,” making sure the kids are always protected. But here’s the key: to keep George, Charlotte, and Louis from becoming anxious, psychologist Julie Armstrong says, “The most important thing Kate and William can do is keep the threats away from the children’s awareness and not share their worries with them.” The security detail, she explained, becomes “like part of the family,” blending seamlessly into their lives.
View this post on InstagramThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased to share a new photograph of their family. The image features on Their Royal Highnesses' Christmas card this year. The photograph shows The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their two children at Kensington Palace. It was taken earlier this year by @chrisjacksongetty Their Royal Highnesses have also announced this morning that Princess Charlotte will attend the Willcocks Nursery School in London from January 2018. The Willcocks Nursery School has said: "We are delighted that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen the Willcocks Nursery School for Princess Charlotte. We look forward to welcoming Charlotte to our nursery in January."
Creating a Safe Haven
Of course, the couple has taken additional measures to ensure their children’s privacy and safety. They’ve planted a wall of conifer trees outside Kensington Palace to shield the kids from prying eyes. Kate has even taken on the role of family photographer, snapping many of the official photos of her children. This way, “Kate owns the copyright so the images can’t be reused on souvenirs,” McCourt explained.
At George’s day school, security has been stepped up, but the siblings will continue attending. “George and Charlotte have playdates with friends,” the insider revealed. “And they’re allowed to go to birthday parties when security is with them.” It’s all about balance—keeping them safe while letting them experience a semblance of normalcy.
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A Family That Refuses to Live in Fear
Most importantly, Kate and William refuse to let fear dictate their lives or their children’s upbringing. Kate still takes the kids to popular spots like the dinosaur gallery at the Natural History Museum. And for Queen Elizabeth’s birthday parade on June 9, “It’s business as usual,” McCourt said. “Prince George will appear with the rest of the family.” Baby Louis, meanwhile, has his own little protector in Charlotte, who “won’t leave his side,” according to McCourt. It’s heartwarming to see how this royal family is navigating the challenges of modern life with grace and resilience.
View this post on InstagramThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to share two photographs of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, taken by The Duchess at Kensington Palace. This image was taken on 2nd May, on Princess Charlotte’s third Birthday. The Duke and Duchess would like to thank members of the public for their kind messages following the birth of Prince Louis, and for Princess Charlotte’s third birthday.
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