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The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, tied the knot in a storybook wedding on April 29, 2011. Since then, one of their greatest sources of happiness has been their role as parents to their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Although the children are generally kept away from the constant gaze of the public, they have made appearances at notable royal events over the years, giving the public occasional glimpses into their lives as they grow.
From an early age, Prince George participated in key royal engagements, including a tour abroad before he even turned one. Princess Charlotte, too, has made her mark, while Prince Louis became widely talked about after his charming and cheeky behavior at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Trooping the Colour celebration. George and Charlotte are often seen alongside their parents during more formal occasions, such as during the national mourning after Queen Elizabeth II's passing. Meanwhile, Louis is gradually stepping into the public eye, having attended events such as the family’s Christmas Day church service at Sandringham and King Charles’ coronation.
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Since 2022, the family has lived together at Adelaide Cottage, a quaint four-bedroom residence located in Windsor. Unlike many grand royal properties, Adelaide Cottage operates with a surprisingly modest setup—there’s no live-in staff. Instead, a small team visits as needed, including their trusted nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, along with a housekeeper and gardener. While their home remains private and relatively humble, the couple does rely on a larger team based at Kensington Palace, which oversees official business.
A job advertisement once posted on the royal household’s website revealed the importance of discretion within the Wales household. The role, intended for a housekeeper, was framed as an exciting opportunity to serve the royal family. However, the position came with strict expectations: gossiping was absolutely forbidden, and applicants needed to show they could uphold confidentiality and act with sensitivity. Employees are also expected to dress appropriately, but contrary to what one might assume, casual attire is the norm at Adelaide Cottage. In fact, formal clothing is discouraged, as William prefers to keep the environment relaxed and unpretentious, especially since the children are often nearby, playing around the home and office space.
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This preference for informality also extends to staffing decisions. William and Catherine have made a conscious choice not to employ a butler at Adelaide Cottage. Despite some public rumors suggesting that William might be hiring a valet, these reports were swiftly denied. While the Kensington Palace team does include a versatile aide responsible for handling luggage and maintaining wardrobes, there is no traditional valet or butler on staff. At home, the couple manage much on their own, fully engaged in daily family life.
Their lifestyle, insiders say, may come as a surprise to many who assume royals are constantly waited on. In fact, the Wales children are expected to contribute to household responsibilities, such as helping to set the table, clearing their own dishes after meals, and participating in tidying up. There’s no hierarchy among the children when it comes to chores or expectations—they are treated equally and are being raised to share the load and grow with mutual respect.
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Behind the scenes, even hiring for cleaning staff involves an unusual, clever test to ensure attention to detail. Tracy Waterman, a key recruitment figure during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, shared that she would place a dead fly somewhere in the room during interviews. The goal was to see whether candidates would notice it and take the initiative to remove it. Those who passed this discreet test were more likely to get hired, as it revealed their instincts and thoroughness—qualities vital in roles involving high levels of trust and responsibility.
When it comes to parenting, William and Catherine are deeply intentional. Their focus is on making sure each child feels equally loved, valued, and supported. They are aware of the potential for rivalry or the dreaded “spare” dynamic that has plagued royal siblings in the past. To counteract this, they are doing all they can to cultivate strong sibling bonds, ensuring no one child feels secondary or neglected.
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What sets William and Catherine apart from more traditional royal parenting styles is their hands-on involvement. They participate directly in school runs, daily routines, and bedtime moments. This deep engagement helps establish a sense of normalcy and emotional security within the home, reducing any feelings of isolation or being overshadowed. Their aim is to give their children a grounded upbringing, away from the pressures that so often come with royal life.
In situations where families face more complex circumstances—such as when one parent is seriously ill—maintaining this balance can be more difficult. For single parents or caregivers dealing with illness, it’s crucial to seek outside help, whether from friends, neighbors, or formal support networks. Delegating responsibilities ensures that the parent can attend medical appointments and take the rest needed for recovery.
Children thrive on predictability, especially during times of change. While some alterations to daily routines might be inevitable in such situations, preserving structure is essential. Regular habits—such as consistent mealtimes, play routines, or bedtime rituals—help maintain a sense of security. For children with special needs, this consistency becomes even more critical. Communicating upcoming changes clearly and at the right time is also vital. The amount of advance notice should be tailored to each child, based on their ability to process and adapt, to avoid sparking unnecessary anxiety.
Ultimately, whether inside a royal palace or a modest family home, the values that define the Wales family—equality, love, involvement, and groundedness—are ones that can resonate
in all walks of life.
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