When it comes to being a parent, it doesn’t matter what social status is in play: All kids at some point or another need to be disciplined — or at the least, need boundaries put into place. Royals Prince William and Kate Middleton may be down-to-earth and incredibly loving when it comes to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, but that doesn’t stop them from being pretty strict with their parenting.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are making sure their children know the proper way to behave in and outside of the palace — which we think is totally healthy. Hey, for a royal, there are a lot of rules to follow, and it’s better to start sooner rather than later!
We all have rule books we follow (or make up, is more like it) so we can raise healthy, kind, and generous kids. Well, the Cambridges are no different than any other millennial husband and wife. Sure, they have a full staff of help and nannies, but Kate reportedly wants to be as hands-on as possible with her children, which means that George, Charlotte, and Louis will be receiving no royal treatment from their parents.
From throwing tantrums themselves to employing the classic time-out, here’s what really proves that Kate and William mean business when it comes to parenting. Don’t mess with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!
George at Pippa's Wedding
Kate notoriously scolded George at her sister Pippa Middleton’s 2017 wedding when he started acting cheeky — after all, there is a certain level of decorum expected at events like this, royal or not. George was even seen crying after Kate laid down the law. But hey, he started behaving.
Charlotte, Too?
And from the look of things, Kate wasn’t about to let Charlotte start acting a fool either. It’s only fair, after all; George might be the older brother who sets the example, but Kate can’t very well scold him and let Charlotte behave however she wants!
No iPads
William and Kate won’t let their kids use iPads. Evidently, they’re “very much seen as mummy and daddy’s toys.” That being said, we definitely wouldn’t blame them if they eventually change their minds on this rule!
Charlotte's Tantrum
When Charlotte had a mini meltdown in Hamburg, Germany, as a toddler during one of her family’s royal tours, Kate quickly — and classily — nipped it in the bud. We’ve never witnessed Kate raising her voice to her children, but she still manages to get her point across every time.
Handling Stuff at Charlotte's Christening
At his little sister’s 2015 christening, George acted like, well, a toddler. William quickly stepped in and handled it … but then the big guns showed up: Queen Elizabeth. Out of all of the adults involved in this situation, she’s the last one we’d ever want to catch us misbehaving!
Kate Has a Parenting Bible
According to reports, Kate was constantly referring to the book Positive Discipline: The First Three Years when it came to parenting her children. Hey, she may be strict, but she likes to keep things positive — and she relies on the experts for advice, like many of her fellow parents. Good for her!
'Spoilt' Prince George
From the sound of things, William felt a little remorse after George’s third birthday. When asked what his son got for his birthday, the duke said, “What did he get for his birthday? I’m not telling. He got too many things. He’s far too spoilt. He’s not into boats yet.”
'Take a Break'
When one of the Cambridge kids starts getting a little crazy — as little kids are wont to do — Kate swiftly swoops in and asks them to “take a break.” They then head to a corner of their room and play with a special calming toy or a fuzzy book. Good technique, mom!
One Strike, You're Out
Sometimes, George would act naughty at the park. Know what Kate did? Gave him one chance to get it together. And if he didn’t, sorry Georgie, time to leave. We’re willing to bet this is also her approach with Charlotte and Louis, who are both known to get cheeky in public.
The Imitator
Supposedly, when one of her kids is having a tantrum, Kate has been known to get right down on the floor and have one next to them. The point? To show them how ridiculously they’re behaving. What a sight that must be! Could we please get this on video next time?
Time To Go Home
For obvious reasons, William and Kate aren’t fans of public meltdowns from their kids. So, when one of them looks like they’re about to lose it, they automatically are whisked home with their nanny. This, apparently, is motivation for the kids to behave because they want to hang out with mom and dad.
Will & Kate Want 'Disciplined' Kids
It’s been said that William and Kate have both revealed that they want to raise “smart, interesting kids who are disciplined.” And from what we’ve seen of George, Charlotte, and Louis so far, it looks like they’re well on their way to achieving their ultimate parenting goal.
Kate's Secret Account
It’s been reported that Kate has a secret Mumsnet account to swap stories and to pick up discipline tactics from other moms on the UK-based online forum. Hey, we all need to use resources like this to get through parenting, famous or not. Royals: They’re just like us!
'The Look'
It’s been said that before disciplining her children when they’re acting out, Kate will give them “the look,” that way they’ll know it’s time to get serious and follow her directions without her having to make a scene. We think we get it — and we’re scared.
Handling Louis' Goofy Behavior
Louis famously made a scene at the Queen’s 2022 Platinum Jubilee, calling Kate’s parenting into question — but honestly, it seemed like another example of where her strict parenting has come in handy. Louis was able to act like a happy young kid at a big public event, and Kate seemed to kindly lay down the law in a way that showed the mutual respect between them.
The Shouting Rule
You’ll never hear Kate’s children’s voices above a normal speaking level, and that’s because of one household rule she’s made very clear.
“Shouting is absolutely ‘off-limits’ for the children and any hint of shouting at each other is dealt with by removal,” a royal insider told The Sun. “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.”
