How Kate Middleton Helped Prince William Embrace Parenthood and Break Royal Traditions

Royal Family
Pete Hutton
March 1, 2025
8 minutes read

(Image: GETTY)

Prince William’s approach to fatherhood has been shaped by his own rigid upbringing, but thanks to Kate Middleton, he has learned to embrace a more hands-on parenting style. The Prince of Wales, who was raised under the watchful eyes of courtiers and nannies, had little experience of a childhood outside the confines of royal protocol.

However, royal author Tom Quinn has revealed that Kate has played a crucial role in helping William loosen up and nurture his “needier side” as a parent. According to The Mirror, a former royal staffer disclosed that Kate has taught William the importance of instilling financial responsibility in their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

One simple but impactful lesson involved encouraging them to save their own money. Beyond financial lessons, Kate also introduced William to the joys of casual, affectionate parenting. “Kate even showed William how to give the children a piggyback,” the insider revealed. The staffer recalled a touching moment when William admitted, “My father never gave me a piggyback.”

Kate’s influence has clearly shaped the couple’s parenting dynamic, emphasizing warmth and engagement over strict royal customs. Unlike the formal environment, William experienced as a child, his own children are being raised in a household that blends royal duties with everyday family life.

Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales — (Photo by Henry Nicholls-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, a body language expert has analyzed the couple’s chemistry, noting their rare public display of affection. Speaking to The Sun, the expert observed how William and Kate’s relationship remains strong, even in public settings.

“It’s always been known that they will naturally hold hands and hug behind the scenes while adopting a more formal and less tactile professional persona,” the expert said. “But here they are in public, walking along a station platform with their bodies welded together from shoulder to pelvis and with a loving hand clasp to signal they might still be in the honeymoon stages of their love story.”

Despite their public responsibilities, William and Kate’s relationship continues to reflect warmth and unity, not only in their marriage but also in the way they are raising their three children. By blending royal tradition with modern parenting, they are carving out a path that allows their children to experience both privilege and a grounded sense of normalcy.