Behind the gates of Kensington Palace, a world of royal tradition and modern family life intertwines. We often glimpse the polished image of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis through carefully curated photographs and public appearances. But what’s it really like to be in their presence? A former royal nanny, privy to the children’s daily lives, is shedding light on the inner workings of the young royals, revealing their personalities, quirks, and their surprising similarities to ordinary children. Get ready for an intimate peek behind the royal curtain – you might be surprised by what you learn.
Beyond the Crown: The “Beautifully Ordinary” Life of the Wales Kids
Caroline Redgrave’s Five Years of Service: Insights from a Trusted Nanny
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, may be royal heirs, but their everyday lives are remarkably similar to those of other children. This insight comes from Caroline Redgrave, a former nanny who worked for the royal family for five years. In an interview with Unionjournalism, Redgrave shed light on the “beautifully ordinary” routines and personalities of the Wales children.
Adelaide Cottage: A Home Grounded in Familiarity
The family resides in Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom home in Windsor, which they moved into in 2022. Prior to this, their primary residence was Kensington Palace in London. Redgrave emphasized the importance of routine and stability in creating a sense of normalcy for the children, especially considering their unique circumstances.
The Importance of Routine in a World of Extremes
Redgrave highlighted the significance of maintaining consistent routines for the Wales children. “It was designed to help them unwind slowly,” she explained, referring to their bedtime rituals. “The routine was the same, no matter what had gone on in the day.”
Whispers of Routine: The Wales Family Bedtime Ritual
Warm Baths, Quiet Play, and Stories: Creating a Calming Atmosphere
According to Redgrave, the children’s bedtime involved a calming ritual that prioritizes relaxation and winding down. “We always kept to a familiar structure of a warm bath, quiet play, stories, and then bed,” she shared.
Natural Skincare: Prioritizing Simplicity and Well-being
Redgrave emphasized the importance of using gentle and natural products on the children’s skin. “We never used harsh products or anything with strong fragrances,” she revealed. “Their skin routines were really simple, very natural. No chemicals, no fuss. Just warm water, a soft cloth, and plant-based wash.”
No Screens Before Bed: Fostering Relaxation and Sleep
The royal children, like many others, benefit from a screen-free evening. Redgrave explained that “there was no screen time in the evenings. It was all about slowing everything down.”
Warm Milk and Healthy Snacks: Promoting Natural Sleep Hormones
According to Unionjournalism’s sources, the bedtime routine for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis involves a calming ritual designed to help them wind down before sleep. This ritual emphasizes simplicity and natural elements, reflecting the Wales’s commitment to providing their children with a grounded and healthy upbringing.
A key aspect of their bedtime routine is a warm bath followed by a warm cup of milk an hour before bed. This practice, as confirmed by former nanny Caroline Redgrave, is intentional as warm milk encourages the body to produce melatonin, the body’s natural sleep hormone. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, promoting restful sleep, and ensuring the children wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
In addition to warm milk, the children are often offered light, healthy snacks like a slice of banana or half a plain rice cake. These snacks provide a small amount of energy while avoiding anything overly sugary or stimulating that could interfere with sleep.
Royal Personalities Unveiled: A Glimpse into the Kids’ Individualities
Prince George: The Builder
Prince George, as described by Redgrave, has a penchant for building. After his bath, he enjoys engaging in quiet play with building blocks. This love for construction suggests a creative and imaginative mind, a natural inclination towards problem-solving, and a sense of accomplishment that comes from building something tangible.
Princess Charlotte: The Bookworm
Princess Charlotte, on the other hand, gravitates towards the written word. She finds solace in quiet reading, demonstrating a love for learning and a thirst for knowledge. This early exposure to books fosters a love of language, expands her vocabulary, and lays the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of literature.
Prince Louis: The Cuddly Explorer
Prince Louis, the youngest of the three, is described as a cuddly explorer. He often curls up with a stuffed toy, displaying his need for comfort and security while also suggesting a natural curiosity about the world around him. This blend of tenderness and exploration indicates a well-rounded personality with a loving nature and a desire to learn and discover.
Kate Middleton’s Influence: Cultivating Stability and Normality
A Different Upbringing: The Value of Family Time
Kate Middleton’s upbringing, as opposed to the more formal aristocratic settings of her husband’s family, has significantly influenced her approach to parenting. A source close to the Cambridges shared with Unionjournalism that Kate “appreciates the importance of having family time.” This emphasis on togetherness and shared experiences creates a strong sense of family unity and fosters a loving and supportive environment for the children to thrive in.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity: A Conscious Approach to Parenting
The Waleses strive to strike a balance between upholding royal traditions and incorporating modern parenting practices. While acknowledging the importance of their historic lineage, they prioritize providing their children with a grounded and relatable childhood. This conscious approach ensures that the children are both connected to their heritage and equipped to navigate the world with a sense of normalcy and resilience.
Conclusion
Maria Borrallo’s insights offer a compelling glimpse into the lives of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, revealing them as well-rounded children navigating the unique pressures of their royal upbringing. While their lives are undoubtedly privileged, Borrallo emphasizes their normalcy, highlighting their love for playful activities, strong family bonds, and basic childhood needs. She paints a picture of children who, despite their royal status, are grounded and relatable, fostering a sense of human connection with the public. The significance of these revelations lies in their ability to humanize the royal family, reminding us that behind the crowns and pomp, they are simply a family striving to raise their children with love and normalcy. Borrallo’s perspective sheds light on the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, highlighting the importance of providing a stable and nurturing environment for young royals amidst the global scrutiny they face. As the next generation of the monarchy takes center stage, their upbringing will undoubtedly shape the future of the institution, and understanding their individual personalities and experiences becomes increasingly relevant. The question remains: how will Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, shaped by both tradition and Borrallo’s guidance, redefine their role in the evolving monarchy?