There is no denying that Queen Elizabeth II has been an exemplary parent. However, Catherine brings a fresh perspective to raising Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Queen Elizabeth II, the icon of Britain, has reigned for more than 63 years. She gave birth to Prince Charles on November 14, 1948, followed by Princess Anne two years later. It took more than a decade for Prince Andrew and Prince Edward to be born, all of whom were born at Buckingham Palace or Clarence House.
After her accession to the throne, the Queen held the power to rule during a period of uncertainty in the Commonwealth and needed to maintain her dignity and authority. As such, she refrained from publicly showing affection for her first two children. When she returned from a five-month tour, she shook hands with Prince Charles, then five, and Princess Anne, then three. However, after the birth of Prince Andrew, she began to show a warmer demeanor. "She became more affectionate and more flexible," historian Robert Lacy noted, as quoted by Town & Country.
The Queen left the care of her children to nurses and staff while she performed her royal duties. Public appearances for the children often included staff-designed outfits, including loafers, long coats, and socks. Traditionally, noble boys wore long dresses before this change. Prince Charles was initially assigned a private tutor (Mispy) but was later enrolled at Hill House School by the Queen in 1957. The Queen passed on her love of horses to her children; her daughter, Princess Anne, even became an Olympic equestrian. She also exposed them to a variety of sports, including polo. As monarch, Queen Elizabeth II raised her children with great discipline and limited public displays of affection. However, all four children have thrived and achieved important milestones in their lives.
Duchess Catherine has adopted straightforward parenting principles that prioritise emotional connection within the family. She allows her children to watch television and play video games, and regularly engages them in crafts. Prince George and Princess Charlotte even made a gift for their grandmother on her 91st birthday. Wanting her children to be educated, Kate took them to many museums to explore the artifacts.
Also using the internet as a resource for modern mothers, Kate posted questions on platforms such as Mumsnet and Babycentre about the parenting challenges she and William faced. She personally took her children to school to ensure they had a normal educational life. The family enjoyed a variety of activities together, such as sailing, football and skiing, promoting an active lifestyle.
Like Queen Elizabeth, Kate passed on her love of animals to her children. Their dog Lupo is considered a member of the family, appearing in many photos together. The family often wear traditional clothes; however, Prince George often wears knee-length shorts and loafers, while Charlotte looks adorable in pleated dresses paired with Mary Jane shoes or tights. However, Kate and William have broken some traditional norms, such as not hiring a royal nanny, trying to provide their children with a normal upbringing and allowing them to develop freely.
The privacy of their children is a top priority, and Kate and William interact with them as friends, often kneeling down to their eye level during conversations. However, this approach has led to Prince William being reprimanded by the Queen at an important national event. Regardless of whether they use traditional or modern methods, or show strictness or friendliness, both Queen Elizabeth and Duchess Catherine are excellent parents. Their actions are thoughtful and aim to create the best environment for their children's development. Although their parenting styles are very different, both have fulfilled their roles as mothers effectively.
