When Kate Middleton married into the royal family, she entered into a world filled with rules. There are dress codes, behavior protocols, and traditions that stretch back hundreds of years. It would be intimidating for anyone, but Kate's done a great job of adhering to the important policies while also creating some of her own. When it comes to her kids, the princess isn't afraid to make new traditions and break some of the older royal traditions.
Parenting was a whole different ball game in Queen Elizabeth's time, and even when Prince William and Prince Harry were boys (although Princess Diana did plenty of rule-breaking herself). But in these modern times, Kate isn't going to let anything dictate the way she wants to raise her kids — not even these ancient protocols and traditions.
Sending George to day school
Kate takes her children's official portraits
Instead of having her little ones sit for a renowned photographer or painter, Kate herself takes her family's official photos from birthday portraits of her children to the annual Christmas card. It's led to some pretty remarkable shots (like Louis finger painting) because the kids are obviously more comfortable with their mom than they would be a strange photographer.
She plays with her kids
In the past, royals have always presented themselves as very business first, so we wouldn't really ever catch the Queen running around with a young Prince Charles. By contrast, Kate is much more hands-on, and can even be seen chasing after her children — in a dress and heels no less! The British motto may be to "keep calm and carry on," but Kate likes to have a bit of fun too.
Letting her sons wear pants
According to Reader's Digest, it's been a royal tradition for boys to wear shorts and knee socks until they're about 8 years old and then they graduate to full trousers. Both Prince George and Prince Louis frequently wear shorts, but they've both been spotted in trousers as well. George is almost 7, so he's close to the pants age. But Louis is just 2 and he's already been seen wearing full-length pants. Seems like Kate doesn't strictly adhere to all recommended royal dressing rules.
Letting George meet President Obama
Although George will be king some day, royal tradition usually calls for royal kids to be a little older when meeting foreign leaders. But the rules were bent for young George who met the then-president in his bathrobe, no less. Obama later joked that George's meeting attire was "a slap in the face [and] a clear breach of protocol." It probably was, but it was adorable, so who cares?
Not relying on a nanny
Kate does have a trusted nanny to help out, but she still prefers to do as much parenting as she can. The princess is often seen running errands and she drops her kids off at school as well. She's pretty busy with her royal events, but she always makes time to be mom when she's able to.
Living outisde London
Although Kate and her family do reside in Kensington Palace for portions of the year, they also have a retreat outside of London as well. Amner Hall in Norfolk is where they spend school breaks, holidays, and weekends in the country. Kate seems to recognize that her kids will need a break from the pressures of royal life, so she's created a safe haven for them in the countryside away from bustling London. All of the royals travel, but it's usually expected that they'll mostly reside in London. Kate and Will have shaken that tradition up.
