Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Refreshing Low-Key Life Approach

In May 2021, Prince William and Princess Kate were spotted enjoying a casual outing in a small fishing village in Scotland. The couple shared a $10 fish-and-chips meal from the Anstruther Fish Bar, a location they fondly remembered from their student days at St. Andrews. After their meal, they visited a nearby ice cream shop and took a stroll around the town, chatting with locals, all without the presence of official cameras.

As noted by author Robert Jobson in his new biography, Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen, this trip showcased their down-to-earth nature. Jobson remarked, “It was, royal aides explained later, just an impromptu break. Once again, consciously or not, it showed William and Catherine’s normalcy.”

When most envision the Prince and Princess of Wales, they often picture them in formal attire at royal events or on the balcony of Buckingham Palace alongside King Charles III. However, behind the formalities, William and Kate live a life quite similar to that of any typical family. As parents of three—Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6—they are immersed in everyday routines like school drop-offs and settling sibling disputes. They prioritize game nights and family movie viewings.

When they can steal some moments for themselves, William and Kate unwind with Netflix and takeout. Despite their royal status, Kate still shops at local grocery stores. Jobson shared that “they are quite refreshing,” emphasizing that “at their core, they are very much a normal family.”

Their normalcy was highlighted in a heartfelt family video shared on social media on September 9. During this intimate moment, Kate revealed that she had completed chemotherapy treatments for her cancer, which was first announced in March. “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she stated. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”

In 2022, shortly before the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the royal couple made the move from Kensington Palace in London to Adelaide Cottage, conveniently located on the grounds of Windsor Castle. This four-bedroom house offers the family a more private lifestyle and a greater sense of comfort. As Jobson writes, the couple opted for a setup without live-in staff to maintain their hands-on parenting approach.

Kate oversaw renovations that made the home fitting for family life, including French windows and multiple fireplaces. The couple has chosen to fund many of these changes privately, ensuring that their home remains a personal sanctuary. Most of their time is spent there, and their children attend the nearby Lambrook School. According to royal aides, William and Kate take turns making the 15-minute journey to school, highlighting their commitment to family involvement in daily activities.

In the same spirit, life at home is a lively mix of joy and noise. William described a typical scene at home, with Charlotte running around in her dance attire while Louis tries to keep up. He noted that while the family enjoys music together, they also deal with typical sibling squabbles about song choices during car rides to school. Fortunately, William has established a rotation for whose turn it is to pick the music.

Kate, a passionate cook who enjoys preparing meals like roast chicken, thrives amid the chaos of family life. She delights in the bustle of a busy kitchen and the energy that comes with family interactions. Those close to the couple emphasize that their children’s happiness and upbringing are paramount to them, with both parents committed to incorporating family time into their public lives.

The children actively participate in preparing family meals, helping Kate with pasta and homemade pizzas. They also enjoy assigned chores that keep them engaged and responsible, with a system of rewards like gold stars for completed tasks.

William and Kate believe in the importance of outdoor activities and often take the kids for walks, noting that simple activities can bring great joy. “I try to do this with my children. Sometimes simple things like watching a fire on a rainy day provides such enjoyment,” Kate expressed. Spending time outdoors has also contributed positively to Kate’s recovery.

When possible, the couple enjoys unwinding together on the couch, binge-watching TV series. Despite their public stature, they maintain a sense of humor that helps them bond. According to William, “[We] both have a very good sense of humor about things.” They share a playful dynamic that adds lightness to their roles as parents.

From the start of their relationship, William and Kate have endeavored to live as normally as possible. They cherished low-key moments like enjoying shared pizzas and takeout during their student years. This laid-back approach continued through their lives, from residing in a modest farmhouse to enjoying routine outings, cherishing their independence away from royal scrutiny.

With recent changes in their lives, particularly related to Kate’s health, they aim to maintain stability for their children. They recently enjoyed a family vacation at Balmoral Castle and are now focused on supporting their kids as they return to school. Kate remarked, “On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life.” Their dedication to remaining grounded is apparent as they strive to pass those values on to George, Charlotte, and Louis.

Source: Us Weekly