Royal School Run: The Wales Family Embraces Everyday Parenting

As the new school year kicks off, Prince William and Kate Middleton are just like any other parents in the UK, making sure their children have the best new shoes and all the necessary school supplies.

This year, they're not alone in the royal parenting game.

Meghan Markle is reportedly set to break with tradition, opting to handle the school run herself, mirroring her sister-in-law's hands-on approach.

For the Wales family, the excitement of sending their kids back to school is palpable.

Like many parents, they might relish the prospect of some quiet time at home.

However, there's also that familiar worry that comes with the start of a new term, especially for parents of sensitive children.

As they settle into their new home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, the family has officially announced that George, Charlotte, and Louis will be attending Lambrook School, conveniently located just a short 15-minute drive away.

Prince William and Kate have made it clear that they intend to be actively involved in their children's education.

Reports suggest that William will take on the driving duties, although Kate is likely to step in on certain days.

Since George and Charlotte started school at Thomas's Battersea in London, the couple has been dedicated to personally dropping them off.

They've even shown up at casual events, like pizza parties for Charlotte's classmates, reinforcing their commitment to being present in their children's lives.

While driving kids to school might seem like a mundane task, it's a significant departure from royal precedent.

Other royals typically rely on drivers, but the Wales family chooses to make this effort themselves.

It's a gesture that surely resonates with George, Charlotte, and Louis, highlighting their parents' dedication to family life.

William and Kate have always portrayed themselves as hands-on parents, often sharing anecdotes about the delightful chaos of breakfast time.

William once humorously recounted the daily squabbles between George and Charlotte over which song gets played in the morning.

He explained how they've established a system where each child gets a turn, ensuring fairness amidst the morning madness.

Unlike many royal children, the Wales kids are growing up in a more relaxed environment.

Prince William has committed to being a more engaged father than his own father was.

One of the key decisions he and Kate have made is to avoid using a particularly loaded term in their household—one that carries a heavy historical weight in royal circles.

This term?

“Spare.”

Despite its recent resurgence in public discourse, especially following Prince Harry's memoir, William and Kate have successfully shielded their children from its implications.

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield noted that the couple is determined to break the cycle of referring to their children as heirs and spares, fostering a more loving and inclusive family dynamic.

The concept of “heir and spare” has long been associated with royal families, where the firstborn is designated as the heir and younger siblings are labeled as spares, ready to step in if needed.

However, William and Kate are focused on ensuring that all three of their children understand their unique roles within the family without the negative connotations that come with such labels.

Kinsey Schofield further explained that the couple aims to instill a sense of royal duty in all their children.

They want George, Charlotte, and Louis to grasp the importance of their positions, not just as members of the royal family but as individuals with responsibilities.

This hands-on approach is evident in how poised and prepared the children appear during royal engagements.

Princess Charlotte, in particular, seems to take pride in her family and her responsibilities, reminiscent of the late Princess Royal.

The Wales family's commitment to nurturing a strong sense of identity and purpose in their children stands out in a world where royal traditions can often overshadow personal connections.

In a realm where royal expectations can be daunting, Prince William and Kate Middleton are crafting a different narrative—one rooted in love, involvement, and a genuine understanding of family dynamics.