The Wales children are always so well behaved at major royal events – but Princess Kate is said to have a special phrase she will use if she thinks their behaviour is crossing a line
Princess Kate has a special phrase that she will use in order to keep her children’s behaviour in check, an expert has revealed.
As they get older, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have started to attend more public royal engagements, with onlookers impressed by their impeccable manners. But on the rare occasions that Kate feels they aren’t behaving properly, she will use four telling words to issue a warning. According to royal expert Tom Quinn in his book Gilded Youth, An Intimate History of Growing Up in the Royal Family : “When Prince Louis misbehaved at the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee for example, by sticking his tongue out at his mother, Kate’s reaction was praised by a team of expert commentators.
“She apparently used a secret code to calm the children, as she does on occasions – she simply says ‘let’s take a break’. But as a former staffer explained, the children know these few words carry far more weight than we might imagine.” While Kate clearly prioritises good behaviour, she also wants to be able to let her children be children.
“Louis is an energetic child and clearly was unable to contain his excitement at being at a public event,” a source previously told OK, referring to the Wales family’s appearance at the 2024 Trooping the Colour. “Kate doesn’t worry about their behaviour too much. She loves to see them being kids.”
In fact, William and Kate went so far as to poke fun at Louis’ cheeky antics during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in a special thank you note after the event. The little boy brought so much joy to the nation with his hilarious behaviour – something his parents were clearly aware of.
“What a fantastic weekend of celebrations,” they wrote. “Seeing people across the nation coming together with family, friends and loved ones has been extremely special. Thank you to everyone who turned out to show their gratitude to The Queen and her inspiring 70 years of leadership. From the crowds on the Mall to communities hosting street parties up and down the country, we hope you had a weekend to remember. We all had an incredible time, especially Louis…,” they concluded, adding a side-eye emoji.
When it comes to parenting their children, William and Kate are said to prioritise communication – with rules including no shouting. An insider previously told the Sun that Kate is “slightly stricter” than Prince William, adding that the royal couple’s nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, makes all decisions in agreement with the couple.
The source said: “Maria is firm but she never acts unilaterally with the children on discipline. Kate and William, along with Maria, are strict with the children but have this magic ability to appear not to be. It is a military operation but you would never guess it because they work ferociously hard on their children’s upbringing and making it seem relaxed and happy for the three of them. They are very good at listening to the children but being firm.”
