According to commentator Tom Quinn, her distress stems from a bitter disagreement between her husband, Prince William, and his father, King Charles, over the future role of their eldest son, Prince George. At 11, Prince George is the eldest of the couple's three children, and both Princess Katherine and Prince William have grown increasingly concerned about his future. According to royal tradition, Prince George is expected to begin further education and take on more responsibilities at age 12, preparing him for his eventual role as monarch.

These preparations are designed to prepare him for the full range of duties and challenges that come with royal duties. The row between Prince William and King Charles highlights the struggle between maintaining traditional royal roles and adopting a more modern approach to parenting. A devoted father, Prince William believes it is important that his children, especially George, receive a well-rounded and balanced education. He envisions a future for George where he can participate in activities and have the same freedoms as any other child, free from the constant pressures of royal responsibilities. William himself has experienced the rigors of royal life, and has promised that his children will enjoy a more normal childhood.

William's approach to parenting, shaped by his own experiences and contemporary methods, has been admired. King Charles, on the other hand, supports traditional royal duties, believing that a rigorous early education is vital to Prince George's future. Influenced by the strict royal protocols of his upbringing, Charles sees them as essential to the stability of the monarchy. Caught in the middle of this father-son tussle is Princess Katherine, who sympathizes with William’s desire for a normal childhood for their children, especially George. As a child mental health advocate, she understands the unique pressures of royal life. In a recent incident, her emotional distress was on full display, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the family despite the challenges.

The British royal family usually deals with internal issues privately, and it is likely that William and Charles will reconcile their differing views on George’s future and the harmony of the family. Camilla, wife of King Charles and stepmother to William, offers insights from her position. In a private conversation, she stressed the need to balance tradition with modern methods to ensure George's well-being. Meanwhile, Prince Harry has publicly backed William, insisting that children deserve a nurturing environment free from the burden of royal pressure, based on his own experience.

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice have also echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of George enjoying a happy childhood amid his responsibilities. They support William's vision of a more normal upbringing. Princess Anne believes that preparing for royal duties is vital to the continuity of the royal family, but acknowledges the modern challenges facing young royals, advocating a mix of both tradition and contemporary values. Anne's daughter Sarah Tindall believes George can be well prepared while still having a fulfilling childhood, highlighting the need for flexibility today.

There is much speculation about how the late Queen Elizabeth II, known for her shrewd handling of family tensions, will handle the situation. It is believed that she will appreciate the importance of both tradition and modernity and may facilitate a compromise between William and Charles. Open communication will be key as George grows up, balancing his father’s modern views with his grandfather’s traditional views, shaping him into an approachable future king capable of carrying out his royal duties. The public will be closely watching how the family navigates these challenges, highlighting the importance of ensuring Prince George enjoys his childhood while gradually accepting his royal responsibilities. These highlights the difficulties the royal family faces in reconciling conventional expectations with the demands of a modern family, with Princess Katherine’s devotion to her family taking precedence at this challenging time.