Kate Could Break With Royal Tradition for Her Kids in One Surprisingly Ordinary Way, Says Ex Butler
Attention is already turning to what the Wales family could choose to handle differently as the next royal tradition.
Prince William and Princess Kate’s efforts to modernize royal parenting have been appreciated all around the world. They have created a delicate balance between abiding by centuries-old tradition and their desire to give Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis a remarkably normal childhood. Or at least, a life as close to normal as possible. By choosing a hands-on lifestyle—including daily school runs and a focus on extracurricular activities—the couple is actively reshaping royal childhood. As George prepares for major milestones—including his move to Eton College this autumn—royal commentators are beginning to speculate about how William and Kate will handle future rites of passage. One of them being something surprisingly ordinary: learning to drive.
As per HELLO!, former royal butler Grant Harrold has revealed that Kate may one day teach her children how to drive. In fact, Harrold suggested, "When it comes to teaching George, Charlotte, and Louis how to drive, I wonder if Kate and William might take a more hands-on approach as they do with so much of their private lives." He then continued, "I could imagine Kate getting behind the wheel and teaching them herself when they’re old enough. She’s a very calm person, so I think she would make a great teacher." If that proves true, it would be another example of the Wales clan choosing family involvement over complete dependence on royal staff and formal arrangements.
That approach would go hand in hand with how William and Kate have raised their children so far. Unlike previous generations of royals, the couple is open about managing everyday parenting responsibilities themselves. They have repeatedly emphasized their desire to provide George, Charlotte, and Louis with quite a grounded upbringing. Moreover, Harrold believes "lots of the royal cousins would have used the same instructor if it worked logistically, as the family is very loyal when they find someone they can trust. The main factor for picking an instructor will be trust and discretion."
Security considerations would influence any driving lessons involving future senior royals. But Harrold noted that driving represents something else too: "And while they, of course, have drivers, most of them, especially the younger royals, like the freedom of being able to come and go as they please." Moreover, Kate's own comfort behind the wheel lends further credibility to the idea. The Princess is regularly photographed driving herself around Windsor. She has often been spotted at family outings and occasionally even at solo engagements without a chauffeur.
And while his other siblings, Charlotte and Louis, still have years before driving lessons become a consideration, George's coming-of-age milestones are arriving quickly. So, if Harrold's prediction is to be believed, one of those future milestones could see Princess Kate doing what generations of royal mothers rarely have: taking the driver's seat herself and helping guide her children through yet another ordinary experience.
