On July 14, Princess Kate Middleton made a remarkable return to Wimbledon, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd as she arrived at her seat in the Royal Box at Centre Court of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
She was accompanied by her 9-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte. Kate, dressed elegantly in a purple Safiyaa dress, was all smiles as she and Charlotte waved to fans and shared a few lighthearted moments during the match.
Meanwhile, 700 miles away at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Prince William and their 11-year-old son, Prince George, attended the UEFA Euro 2024 final between England and Spain.
The father-son duo, dressed in matching navy blue suits and ties, leaped to their feet in celebration and embraced when England scored a goal late in the game. Both 42, Kate and William have been juggling a lot.
Kate, the mother of three (including 6-year-old Prince Louis), has been undergoing cancer treatment since February, while William has been busy with his royal duties and stepping in for his father, King Charles III, 75, who is also facing a cancer diagnosis.
Despite these challenges, the Prince and Princess of Wales prioritize their children’s happiness above all.
According to the new book Catherine, the Princess of Wales (to be released on August 6) by royal expert Robert Jobson, Kate has always prioritized her family.
This approach was clearly established when she set certain “terms” upon joining the royal family, which she communicated to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles in 2015 while pregnant with Charlotte.
Jobson writes, “[Kate] established some fundamental life rules that she would stick to when she joined The Firm… Her priority, she emphasized, would always be her family.”
Since then, Kate and William have successfully balanced their royal responsibilities with family life. They are hands-on parents, involved in daily activities such as driving their children to school and attending extracurricular events.
For example, on June 21, William took Charlotte and George to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in London. The couple has also shared relatable parenting experiences, discussing issues like tantrums, sibling rivalry, and the challenges of homeschooling during lockdown.
Kate’s own upbringing has significantly influenced her parenting style. Jobson notes that her childhood in a close-knit middle-class family has shaped her desire to provide a similar environment for her children at Adelaide Cottage, a “modest” four-bedroom home without household staff.
She recalls her parents always being present, which she aims to replicate for George, Charlotte, and Louis.
In a 2017 speech at the Royal College for Obstetricians, Kate expressed how motherhood had profoundly changed her, making it her foremost identity.
Her work often focuses on mothers and children, such as her task force for Early Childhood Development launched in March 2023. Kate openly discusses the difficulties of parenting, including “mom guilt” and the stress of raising children.
Despite their royal status, Kate and William strive to give their children as normal a childhood as possible.
They are candid about their own parenting challenges, even sharing anecdotes like the daily battles over music selection in their household.
William described their mornings as “controlled chaos,” with Charlotte dancing around the kitchen and Louis trying to keep up.
During the pandemic, the couple dealt with the demands of homeschooling, expressing their admiration for their children’s stamina. Jobson emphasizes that their family dynamic is “very much a normal family.”
Kate and William have taken a hands-on approach to parenting, even amidst Kate’s health challenges. In March, as rumors about her well-being circulated, the couple delayed publicizing her cancer diagnosis to protect their children.
Kate explained in a video statement that they wanted to ensure their children understood the situation appropriately and felt reassured.
Together, Kate and William are shaping a modern royal family that balances tradition with the realities of contemporary life. Jobson highlights Kate’s influence within the royal family, describing her as stylish, graceful, and strong-willed. Her input is valued, and she has a significant role in decision-making.
Kate’s commitment to her family has been unwavering. Even with the challenges of her diagnosis, she continues to prioritize her children and their well-being.
Jobson suggests that while Kate will continue to fulfill her royal duties, her primary focus will remain on her young children.
The family plans to spend their summer holiday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland with Charles and Queen Camilla, 77, in early August. Jobson concludes, “Kate was always determined to put her family first, and there’s no doubt she will do that now.”
