For a long time, royal children were "seen but not heard" — sometimes not even seen. But that's changed a lot, basically since Princess Diana came on the scene. Now royal parents can be seen doting on their kids at home and in public, whether or not the cameras are there.
Some of the most loving mamas and dads out there in the royal world are the core four from the UK monarchy — Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, of course — but in reality, a number of royals have been sweet parents. The Queen and King of Spain have had so many cute moments with their daughters, as has the princess of Denmark with her son, and the princess of Sweden with her daughter.
Check out these 15 adorable royal moments between parents and their kids.
Diana snuggling Harry
A mother's gaze
Princess Mary of Denmark took in her precious son Prince Christian's face during his christening in 2006. He was Mary's first child, so of course she was completely enamored with him. Christian isn't having such a fun time here, but his mother is glowing in her love for her little boy.
On their level
Long before Kate Middleton was known for always crouching down to a child's level to have a conversation with them, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain were doing that with their own two young daughters. The parents look so engaged with the story Leonor and Sofia were telling them. The ability to listen is so important as a parent.
Princess Sofia's first day of school
Princess Sofia had a little bit of a snafu on her first day of school and accidentally fell down. Fortunately, her mother Queen Letizia was there to console her daughter and wish her well on her way to class. Sofia was just three years old at the time, but already a champ at getting over struggles.
Birthday kiss
These photos were snapped on Princess Victoria of Sweden's 35th birthday, and we love that she made it all about her daughter, Estelle, on her own big day. During the photo call, Victoria snuck a quick kiss of her daughter's foot, because how can anyone resist a baby foot? Estelle seems less than interested in this bonding moment, but when she grows up, she'll appreciate this picture.
Family bonding
The year 2012 marked Queen Letizia's 40th birthday, and to commemorate the occasion, the Spanish royal family released some photos of the family in a more casual setting. This one is our favorite, because it could be of any family — royal or not. Felipe is playing with his daughter, making her laugh.
So cute.
Huge hugs
Prince William is definitely his mother's son. Just as Princess Diana expressed emotion and love in public, so does William. Here he is giving his son, George, a cuddly hug during a trip to Canada back in 2016. It's one of the sweetest photos of the two of them, and we can't get over just the complete love in both of their eyes.
