Princess Diana would likely commend her son Prince William for his supportive role in assisting his family during Kate Middleton’s recovery from her January abdominal surgery.
Recently, Prince William has maintained a low profile, with minimal public appearances. He briefly attended an engagement last week following the abrupt cancellation of his attendance at King Constantine of Greece’s memorial. Reportedly, according to Sky News, he is currently on a two-week break and is expected to resume his royal duties in mid-March. Insiders from the royal circle suggest that this break is to allow him to prioritize spending quality time with his family—a gesture reminiscent of Princess Diana’s nurturing nature.
A Parallel of Parenting Styles
Ingrid Seward, the editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine and a respected royal author, shared on Hello! Magazine’s A Right Royal Podcast that Prince William seems to be leaning more towards his late mother’s parenting approach rather than following in the footsteps of his father, King Charles.
Seward noted, “Charles always prioritized duty, mirroring his mother’s actions. However, Diana chose a different path. I believe Charles has advised William to focus on family time and delay royal responsibilities until necessary, recalling the past criticisms of William’s work ethic. His father’s message seems to be, ‘Savor these moments with your young family; the royal duties can wait.’”
Prince William appears to have taken this advice to heart. As per Hello!, he has adjusted his schedule to personally escort his children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—to and from Lambrook School in Berkshire during Middleton’s illness.
Echoes of Princess Diana
Princess Diana’s hands-on and playful approach with her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, serves as a poignant reminder of her influence on William’s parenting choices. Even her untimely passing in 1997, when William was just 15, has shaped his parenting style.
Renowned royal expert and former BBC correspondent Jennie Bond shared with OK! Magazine in January, “William will undoubtedly prioritize his children’s well-being. Maintaining a sense of normalcy through daily routines like school runs, homework assistance, cooking, and bedtime rituals is crucial during this period of upheaval. His personal experiences uniquely position him to empathize with his children’s emotions and provide the necessary reassurance.”
Kate Middleton’s Convalescence
Kate Middleton was recently seen in public for the first time post-surgery, accompanied by her mother, Carole Middleton. Royal editor Emily Nash highlighted in Hello! that Middleton is relishing the opportunity to focus on her children without the added responsibilities of work. Nash expressed, “Her time at home with George, Charlotte, and Louis has undoubtedly been a source of comfort and joy. Family remains her top priority, and their presence has undeniably lifted her spirits during this recovery period.”