Kate Middleton arrives at the Shaping Us National Symposium in London on Nov. 15.Photo:Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
As future queen,Kate Middleton’s power is rooted in her family — and her crucial role in shaping the next generation of royals.
When it comes to raising the future of the monarchy, Princess Kate andPrince Williamare trying to bring up their childrenPrince George, 10,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5, in as normal an environment as possible given their extraordinary life.
That means watching George play soccer on his school team and catching Charlotte’s field hockey games as they happily chat with other parents on the sidelines, insiders tellPEOPLE in this week’s issue.
“She is very good at setting boundaries, which helps keep everything running smoothly. But the family is the priority, always,” a friend tells PEOPLE.
Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton at the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in London on Dec. 8.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The Princess of Wales’ loved ones were front and center at herthird annual carol concerton Dec. 8, which they attended as a family of five for the first time.
As Kate confidently led Prince William and their children into Westminster Abbey for the event, it was her time to shine. Already seated in the Abbey were her parents,CaroleandMichael Middleton, sisterPippaand extended members of the royal family, who all showed their support on her big night. The absence ofKing Charles, 75, andQueen Camilla, 76, signaled that this was Kate’s crowning moment, as she and William, both 41, were the most senior royals in attendance.
“She is carving out a special place for herself, which is celebratory,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith tells PEOPLE.
Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Kate Middleton at the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in London on Dec. 8.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
Like other royal consorts in history, Kate has developed a toughness behind the scenes as she supports her husband and future king William. “She has this public image of being nice and smiley and, dare I say, innocuous,” says royal author Valentine Low. “But she is actually strong-minded, strong-willed and prepared to fight for what she wants and what she thinks is right.”
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It’s an ethos she’s instilling in her children as well. A few weeks before Christmas, she took George, Charlotte and Louis to adonation drivenear their home in Windsor.
“You’re the volunteers for this evening," she told them as they sorted through clothes and toys for children in need. At the end of their shift, she put her arm around George’s shoulders and said, “You can see how rewarding this kind of work is knowing you are helping out others.”
source: people.com
