Even for busy grown-ups, maintaining morning routines for kids is highly important. However, for members of the royal family with demanding schedules, these routines hold even more significance than one might expect. Prince William recently disclosed that even Princess Charlotte has a cherished morning ritual that she simply cannot start her day without. As a parent yourself, you’ll likely find it surprisingly relatable.
Surprisingly hands-on parents
Right from the beginning, Prince William and Kate Middleton made it evident that they intended to be actively involved parents to their children. Gone are the times when royal offspring were primarily raised by nannies. Will and Kate were present for numerous significant milestones and cherished the opportunity to establish adorable moments of routine with their little ones.
Do they carpool?
Despite their demanding schedules, the Prince and Princess of Wales often prioritize starting their day with their children and enjoying a typical family breakfast. Following this, and irrespective of the significant engagements they may have later in the day, they make it a point to take their children to school personally.
Just like us
Ensuring a sense of normalcy in their children’s lives holds great importance for Kate and William. As part of this effort, they make a point of personally dropping off their kids at school. Prince George attends Thomas’s Battersea Prep School, and the royal couple is known to engage in conversations and socialize with other families at the school gates.
William and the other parents
According to an anonymous source who spoke to Vanity Fair in 2019, “Either William or Kate is usually involved in the school drop-off, and they are consistently warm and friendly. William, in particular, enjoys conversing with other parents and even exercises with some of the mothers at the Harbour Club gym after drop-off. He has a friendly and sociable nature.”
George is popular
As for young George, the insider mentioned, “He is highly liked and has numerous friends, and his identity doesn’t attract much attention.” Back in 2018, Kate and William had apparently not yet informed George about his future role as king. However, it appears that they have since shared this information with him.
Just can’t wait to be king
According to a source who spoke to Us Weekly in 2020, “George is conscious of the fact that he will eventually become the King of England. William has already discussed his future role with him and enjoys studying his family’s history in his history classes.” Moreover, George is gradually gaining a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities associated with being a king beyond the simplistic portrayals found in Disney movies and children’s books, as stated by the unnamed source.
Kate’s influence
In certain aspects, the children of Cambridge lead relatively normal lives, albeit with the added privilege that comes with their position. This can be attributed, to some extent, to Kate, who experienced a similar upbringing before marrying William. She has frequently expressed that her own early years were filled with happiness.
“Desperately wants that normality”
An anonymous friend spoke to People in 2019, “[Kate] seeks to recreate her own upbringing, which involved residing in the countryside and being part of a tightly-knit family. She earnestly desires that sense of normalcy for her own children.” The source further mentioned that a significant portion of Kate’s childhood was spent engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. It is noticeable that the Cambridge kids frequently enjoy playing outdoors, reflecting their parents’ inclination towards fostering an active and nature-filled upbringing.
Oats and smoothies
Kate’s morning routine appears to be quite typical as well. According to insiders, the Princess of Wales commonly starts her day with a smoothie and a serving of oatmeal for breakfast. There is no indication that she relies on servants to prepare these meals, suggesting that she likely takes charge of the process herself.
Diana’s determination
There might be an additional motivation behind their commitment to raising their children without pretension, and it relates to William’s mother, Princess Diana. Following her marriage to Prince Charles and the birth of William and Harry, Diana made the decision to provide her sons with a different upbringing than that typically experienced by other members of the royal family. She wanted them to have the freedom to be regular children without the constraints of formality and silence.
Defying tradition
Diana’s determination to create a unique upbringing for her children extended to defying traditional royal norms. During her visit to Australia with Charles in 1983, she made the unprecedented decision to bring baby William along, deviating from established customs. Furthermore, Diana openly displayed affection by hugging her children in public, a gesture that differed from the more reserved approach taken by the Queen.
Active mom
Diana maintained a morning routine that incorporated spending time with her children. Despite her demanding schedule as a widely admired figure, she made a concerted effort to prioritize her sons. It is said that while she preferred to exercise in the morning, she managed to accommodate this by fitting it around taking care of William and Harry.
The Queen had a different rhythm
In contrast, other members of the royal family have led less grounded lives with routines that differ significantly. For instance, the late Queen had a different approach to mornings as she was not an early riser. To ensure a favorable start to her day, she followed certain practices and rituals.
Morning pick-me-up
Elizabeth’s morning routine involved the customary delivery of a cup of Earl Grey tea, an essential part of her routine. She preferred her tea with milk but without any sugar. This cherished beverage was typically presented to Her Majesty on a silver platter, accompanied by a neatly ironed napkin. Additionally, she ensured that BBC Radio 4 played in the background while she savored her morning cup of tea.
Details mattered
One can only sympathize with the servant responsible for remembering all these specific details. However, the Queen’s morning routine doesn’t end there. Following her tea, Her Majesty indulges in a bath, but it’s not just an ordinary bath. The water must be precisely warmed to the right temperature, not too hot nor too cold. Furthermore, the water level should never exceed 7 inches in depth.
Serving the royals
Reportedly, other family members have even more demanding requests! In the Amazon documentary “Serving the Royals: Inside the Firm,” former butler Paul Burrell disclosed some of Charles’ most extravagant morning demands, unveiling intriguing insights into his routine. Among Charles’ outlandish morning requests, one notable demand involved his preference for having his shoelaces ironed before putting on his shoes, as revealed by former butler Paul Burrell in the Amazon documentary “Serving the Royals: Inside the Firm.”
Charles is just as particular
Burrell disclosed that Charles’ nightclothes receives pressing every morning, and remarkably, even his shoelaces are meticulously ironed flat. Charles follows a bathing routine as well, exhibiting traits possibly inherited from his mother. “The water temperature must be lukewarm, and the bath should only be filled halfway,” Burrell explained. Astonishingly, it is said that even the positioning of his bath plug holds significance in Charles’ daily routine.
William tells all
It can be challenging to envision a family with three children adhering to such strict routines. In reality, William and Kate do not impose stringent routines on their kids. The Prince of Wales opened up about his children’s morning habits and the joy he finds in them during an episode of Apple’s Time to Walk podcast in 2021.
Tunes aplenty
In the Cambridge household, music often fills the air, as shared by William. He disclosed, “Most mornings, there’s quite a commotion between Charlotte and George over which song should be played. George gets his turn, and then Charlotte gets hers. The competition for the chosen music is quite lively.”
Charlotte’s dance
Following the song selection, the children indulge in some dancing, with William sharing Charlotte’s favorite tune to groove to. Surprisingly, it’s the infectious melody of Shakira’s “Waka Waka.” William amusingly mentioned, “There’s plenty of hip movements happening. They love to dress up and really get into it.”
Running around
Adding to the lively scene, William shared that Charlotte, in particular, enthusiastically dashes around the kitchen adorned in her dresses and ballet attire. He described, “She goes all out, with Louis following her, attempting to mimic her every move. It’s a wonderfully joyous moment where the children relish in dancing, playfully interacting, and singing.”
Hips don’t lie
Shakira expressed her delight upon hearing about William’s revelation. She retweeted an article discussing his comments and captioned it, “I’m thrilled that Princess Charlotte enjoys my music!” The official Cambridge Twitter account responded with two emojis: a dancing lady and a heart, showcasing their appreciation for Shakira’s response.
Dad rock
While we have discovered Princess Charlotte’s musical preferences, exploring her dad’s taste is also interesting. As it turns out, Prince William is a fan of rock music. During the podcast, he shared, “There’s nothing quite like starting a Monday morning, slightly groggy after the weekend, and getting back into the rhythm of the week by listening to AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck.'”
“The best tonic”
William expressed his enthusiasm for AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” describing it as the ultimate Monday morning tonic. He explained, “Listening to it truly wakes you up, sets an uplifting tone for the week, and gives you the feeling that you can conquer anything and anyone.” William envisioned listeners walking briskly, perhaps with a skip in their step and head-banging, unable to resist dancing or nodding along to the infectious rhythm of the song.
Diana’s boys
William shared a heartfelt sentiment as he connected those musical moments to cherished memories of his time with Diana. During the podcast, he recounted, “When Harry and I were younger and attending boarding school, our mother would play various songs to ease the anxieties of returning to school.” This reflection highlighted the special role music played in creating comforting moments with Diana.
The Best
Continuing his nostalgic recollection, the prince continued, “One song that has remained vivid in my memory and continues to bring me joy, even to this day, is Tina Turner’s ‘The Best.'” Surprisingly enough, William admitted his ongoing secret enjoyment of the track. He fondly reminisced about family moments, sitting in the backseat, singing along together, while his mother, driving alongside, wholeheartedly belted out the lyrics at the top of her voice.
Back to school
Reflecting on those times, the future monarch somberly recalled, “We would continue singing and listening to the music all the way to the school gates during drop-offs. It was at that moment when the reality of returning to school truly sank in because, before that, we were immersed in the songs and lost in the music.”
Memories of mom
William expressed the desire to relive those cherished family moments, stating, “The urge to replay the song is strong, as it keeps the spirit of those family moments alive. Whenever I listen to ‘The Best’ now, it transports me back to those car rides and floods me with memories of my mother.” Fortunately, William and his family have the opportunity to create new musical memories together.
Just like her grandma
Charlotte’s lively antics may evoke memories of William’s late mother, as Diana was renowned for her love of dance. Prior to her marriage into the royal family, Diana aspired to be a ballerina, despite being told that her height would hinder her professional aspirations. Nevertheless, she remained passionate about dancing and even continued to dance publicly despite her status as a princess.
Starting early
Surprisingly, Charlotte embarked on her dance journey at the tender age of two. This delightful fact came to light when Kate accidentally revealed it during a conversation with Tamara Rojo, the director of the English National Ballet, in 2017. Kate shared that Charlotte has an immense passion for dancing, expressing how she “absolutely loves” it. Her morning antics certainly seem to reflect her enthusiasm for the art form!
Diana’s skills
During their conversation, William fondly mentioned his mother’s exceptional dancing abilities, describing her as a fantastic dancer. He revealed that they had recently been exploring Diana’s music collection, which he found to be quite eclectic. Discussing the connection between Diana’s love for dance and music, William expressed his admiration for her skill. In response, Rojo extended an invitation to the family to attend a show, to which William warmly replied, “We will definitely have to come.”
Her life and legacy
William has long been committed to preserving the memory of his beloved mother, Diana. Despite her absence from their lives, he has made it a priority for his children to have a deep understanding of who their grandmother was. This heartfelt dedication was highlighted in the 2017 documentary titled “Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy,” where William openly discussed his efforts to ensure that Diana’s legacy lives on.
Visual reminder
During the filming of the documentary, William shared a touching sentiment, stating, “We have more photos of [Diana] around the house now. It’s challenging because Catherine didn’t have the opportunity to know her, so she can’t offer the same level of personal insight. However, I frequently bring George and Charlotte to bed, and we have conversations about their grandmother.”
“She’d be a nightmare grandma”
According to William, envisioning Diana as a grandmother, he expressed, “She would have been a complete nightmare as a grandmother, an absolute nightmare. She would have adored the children tremendously, but she would have been mischievous and unpredictable. I can imagine her arriving during bath time, causing a joyful commotion with an excessive amount of bubbles and water splashing everywhere, and then departing.”
George’s dancing
Charlotte isn’t the only family member following in Diana’s dancing footsteps. It turns out that her older brother, George, is also taking up dancing. As part of his school’s extracurricular activities, ballet is offered, and Kate and William decided to enroll him in classes.
“Do what you love”
In 2018, William shared that George is also pursuing dancing and thoroughly enjoys it. He mentioned, “My mother always loved dancing, and if it’s something you’re passionate about, pursue it wholeheartedly. Don’t let anyone discourage you. Keep doing what you love.”
The kids’ futures
Those words of wisdom are invaluable and will hopefully resonate with the royal children as they mature. As George, Charlotte, and Louis continue to explore the world and understand their roles within it, many speculate whether they will follow in their father’s footsteps and attend boarding school.
William’s position
The question of whether the royal children will attend boarding school poses a challenge. While it has been a long-standing tradition for royals, it may not align with Kate and William’s desire for hands-on parenting. Interestingly, a royal observer suggests that William has no plans to send his children away for school, and this decision may have been made even before their birth.
Wait and see
It’s possible that the royal children will be encouraged to explore their passions and deviate from tradition, as William and Kate have subtly prioritized such values. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe Charlotte will fulfill her grandmother’s dreams and become a professional dancer. However, when it comes to Princess Diana, things were never straightforward or predictable.
Last will and testament
When Princess Diana tragically passed away in a car accident in 1997, it was assumed that her estate and possessions would be inherited by her sons, William and Harry. Her 1993 will appeared to be concise and clear. However, the outcome was not as anticipated, leaving certain individuals feeling deeply hurt once the probate process concluded.
Sealed shut
It is remarkable that we were able to gain insight into the contents of Princess Diana’s will, considering that it is typically customary for the wills of royals to be sealed by the English court. This practice, in place for over a century, restricts public access to such documents. However, Princess Diana was an exception to this rule.
Protecting the Queen
Unlike the usual practice for British wills, which allows anyone to request access, the will of Prince Philip, who passed away in 2021, will remain sealed for nearly a century. The English High Court ruled that preserving the “dignity and standing” of Queen Elizabeth II is of utmost importance, leading to this uncommon decision.
Public curiosity
The judge who issued the ruling provided an explanation, stating, “I agreed with the argument that, although there may be public curiosity about the personal provisions made by a member of the royal family in their will, there is no genuine public interest in disclosing this entirely private information.” However, Princess Diana’s case was markedly different.
Not Private
In 1998, the decision was made in favor of public disclosure, ensuring that Princess Diana’s will would not remain confidential. In a surprising turn, the law firm handling her estate, Lawrence Graham, announced that they had chosen not to request the sealing of the will. Lawyer Martyn Gowar confirmed this decision, indicating that there was a specific reason behind it.
Will released
According to AP, Gowar stated, “It won’t be a private document as it could have been.” The decision to release Princess Diana’s will without sealing it was influenced by the family’s understanding of the public’s deep interest in knowing more about Diana. As a result, the will was made available to the public, allowing individuals to visit Somerset House in London and purchase their own copy of the document.
Leaked to the press
Interestingly, journalists didn’t have to wait for the will to become available at the government archives, as someone managed to sneakily show it to them. To their surprise, the will turned out to be a relatively straightforward document. However, the accompanying reports that were released alongside it hinted at a different story. Speculation arose, suggesting that the will may have been modified or adjusted in some way.
Letter of Wishes
Indeed, there remain lingering uncertainties surrounding the will that may never be fully resolved. Princess Diana had also penned a “Letter of Wishes,” but the executors chose not to adhere to its directives. As a consequence, the funds intended for her sons did not reach them according to her original timeline.
Humble beginnings
These inquiries hold significance as Princess Diana’s will revealed a substantial amount of wealth and assets she left behind. It’s remarkable considering her financial situation during her early relationship with Charles. Working as a nanny and in a kindergarten class, Diana earned a modest income of around $5 per hour, far from a substantial fortune. However, the contents of her will painted a different picture years later.
Rich pickings
In her will, Princess Diana bequeathed an astonishing sum of almost $32 million in 1997 currency, equivalent to approximately $55 million today. However, her generosity didn’t stop there. Alongside her fortune, she left behind an impressive collection of jewels and a stunning array of couture garments crafted by renowned designers.
Divorce settlement
It came as no surprise that Princess Diana accumulated such wealth. Following her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996, Diana received a settlement that included a substantial cash sum of $22.5 million. Additionally, she was granted an annual allowance of approximately $600,000 to support her private office. However, it’s worth noting that Diana did not receive ongoing alimony payments.
Keep it in the family
To carry out her wishes, Princess Diana entrusted the responsibility to two important individuals: her mother, Frances Ruth Shand Kydd, and her older sister, Lady Elizabeth Sarah Lavinia McCorquodale. These remarkable women were not just distinguished names in the English aristocracy but held a deep familial connection to Diana as her mother and sister, respectively.
Secretary Dropped
Lady Sarah wasn’t originally intended to be chosen for the role of executor. Patrick Jephson, Diana’s private secretary at the time, was initially slated for the position. However, he stepped down from the job in 1996 after an unforgettable event occurred, which left an indelible mark on the world’s memory.
Interview dispute
In 2021, new information about journalist Martin Bashir’s involvement in a scandal came to light, revealing the extent of his deceit and use of forged documents to convince Diana to participate in a candid interview for the TV program Panorama. One of the victims of his falsehoods was Patrick Jephson, who had felt deeply hurt by the interview and subsequently resigned from his position. As a result, the responsibility of handling Diana’s will fell to her mother and sister, who took charge of the matter.
Legal action
Upon reviewing the will and the accompanying “Letter of Wishes,” Diana’s mother and sister expressed their dissatisfaction and took legal action by obtaining a “variation order.” This allowed them to make changes to the bequests outlined in the will. Typically, the “Letter of Wishes” would hold legal weight, but the circumstances warranted alterations to the original instructions in this case.
Kept quiet
The revision of Diana’s stated wishes was not publicly disclosed like her will. It remained confidential and only came to light years later during a court proceeding involving Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell. When the truth about the alterations was revealed, it caused discontent among certain individuals involved.
Diana’s rock
Burrell, a significant figure in Diana’s life, shared a close bond with the princess and was often referred to as “her rock.” Following Diana’s untimely passing, Burrell was devastated and was granted the privilege of being the sole non-family member to attend her funeral. He played a crucial role in cataloging the belongings she left behind.
Wishes ignored
The executors had the discretion to disregard the “Letter of Wishes” since it did not conform to the legal requirements. As a result, Diana’s sister and mother had the freedom to act in accordance with its contents if they deemed it appropriate, regardless of the princess’s original intentions.
Cui bono?
It is possible that Diana’s relatives had the best interests of William and Harry in mind when making their decisions, although this can only be speculated. While the outcome appeared to favor the princes, it resulted in a five-year delay before they received their entitled share of the money. Additionally, there were other personal belongings that Diana had intended to be passed down as well.
Treasure trove
In addition to the financial assets, Diana’s physical belongings held significant value. These included her iconic wedding dress, a collection of exquisite dresses, precious jewelry pieces, cherished photographs, and even the handwritten lyrics to Elton John’s touching tribute song, “Candle in the Wind.” These items carried sentimental and historical significance, representing different aspects of Diana’s life and legacy.
On show
Therefore, instead of immediately passing on to the princes, Diana’s possessions were entrusted to her brother, Earl Spencer. He arranged for the collection to be exhibited for a limited period each year at Althorp, the family’s ancestral home where Diana spent her childhood. Visitors had the opportunity to view the items on display and admission fees were charged for the experience. At other times, the collection embarked on tours, making appearances in museums and exhibitions around the world.
Money maker
The exhibition of Diana’s collection proved to be highly lucrative, generating significant revenue. According to the official website of the Princess Diana Collection, by 2011, it had raised $2 million, which was donated to charitable causes. However, there were rumors circulating that the actual earnings exceeded this amount by more than 15 times. Diana’s family maintained that all the proceeds were directed towards a fund established in her memory.
Long custody
Diana’s will stipulated that certain documents, including the “Letter of Wishes,” should be implemented within two years after her passing. This would have resulted in a significant inheritance for the designated recipients. However, by disregarding the letter, the Spencer family utilized the collection to generate profits for a period of 17 years.
Who got more?
Speculation arose regarding the beneficiaries of Diana’s will prior to its public release. Given William’s status as the eldest child, many assumed he would inherit the entirety of her estate. However, fans and observers contemplated a different scenario, considering William’s future wealth as a future king through the Crown estate, while Harry may not have similar financial prospects. This led to conjecture that Harry might receive all of Diana’s inheritance.
Princes benefit
Contrary to some expectations, the final distribution of Diana’s estate did not result in Harry receiving all of her inheritance. The intended arrangement was for the two brothers to equally share three-quarters of the estate’s proceeds. Initially planned for them to receive the funds at the age of 25, the executors later adjusted the age of inheritance to 30. While it cannot replace the loss of their beloved mother, the estimated amount of $16 million each would certainly be of significant assistance.
Godkids in need
However, William and Harry were not the sole beneficiaries of Diana’s will. The princess made sure to remember her godchildren, of whom she had a considerable number. She had taken on the role of godmother to 17 children, and she held a special place in her heart for each of them. Diana wanted to provide support and assistance to these children whom she cared for deeply.
Chattels split
Diana ensured that her godchildren were included in her plans for the future. In her heartfelt “Letter of Wishes,” she expressed her desire for her personal belongings to be divided among her sons and godchildren. She requested that three-quarters of the value be allocated to her sons, while the remaining one-quarter should be shared among her cherished godchildren. This gesture demonstrated her love and thoughtfulness towards the children who held a special place in her life.
Hefty share
In Diana’s heartfelt words, “personal chattels” referred to her personal belongings, which encompassed a collection of cars, clothing, and jewelry. While dividing a quarter of these items among 17 recipients might suggest a modest allocation, it actually amounted to a significant windfall of $160,000 for each godchild. This generous gesture demonstrated Diana’s desire to share her love and blessings with those who held a special place in her heart.
“Tacky memento”
The intended windfall for Diana’s godchildren turned out to be elusive. Due to the alteration of the bequest resulting from legal action, they ultimately received only one item selected by the executors from Diana’s cherished possessions. Disappointingly, some of the recipients reportedly regarded their allocated items as a “tacky memento,” a sentiment that reflected their perception of the chosen pieces.
Nice jewelry
In a special arrangement, Diana’s sons were given the opportunity to choose one piece of jewelry each as a memento. William selected a Cartier watch, and Harry chose Diana’s iconic engagement ring adorned with diamonds and sapphires. However, due to William’s engagement taking place prior to Harry’s, they made a thoughtful exchange. As a result, Meghan was seen wearing the cherished Cartier watch.
Cash flow
But what became of Diana’s belongings after they were entrusted to Harry and William? It is highly likely that the brothers did not require any financial assistance from the proceeds generated by the collection. Having already received their inheritance of $16 million each before taxes, it served as a valuable resource, particularly for Harry during challenging times.
Life-saving cash
During the interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry revealed that his family had ceased providing financial support. He expressed gratitude for the inheritance left by his mother, stating, “I have what my mom left me, and without that, we wouldn’t have been able to make this transition. It’s almost as if she had foreseen it and has been by our side throughout this entire journey.”
Burrell bequest
In addition to the princes and godchildren, there were others who received provisions from Diana’s will. Burrell, her former butler, was left with a sum of just over $80,000. However, Burrell’s association with the princess went beyond the inheritance, as he has been known to leverage his connection to Diana for personal gain. He even faced a trial on charges of stealing some of her possessions, but he was ultimately acquitted and found not guilty.
Charities gain
Surprisingly, Diana’s will did not include specific monetary donations to charities. Instead, she established a fund with the intention of supporting the organizations she favored. However, the initial funding for the fund was relatively modest, and her sons were given the discretion to access it. On a positive note, charities were granted the rights to utilize Diana’s image and name, providing them with the opportunity to generate funds through various means.
Government hand-out
The U.K. government emerged as a notable beneficiary from Diana’s estate, reaping significant tax revenue. Approximately $14 million was claimed by the government as its share. However, Prince Charles had the option to employ a completely lawful strategy that might have resulted in a considerably smaller amount going to the government.
Death and taxes
Charles had the option to submit a Barder application to reclaim the substantial sum he had contributed during the divorce settlement. This opportunity arose because the settlement was finalized after the will had been drafted. Consequently, Diana had made her generous bequests based on her financial status at that time, which was considerably lower than the substantial wealth she eventually acquired.
No scheme
After reclaiming the funds, Charles had the option to establish a trust for the princes, resulting in significantly lower tax obligations. However, considering the potential media frenzy and accusations of Charles exploiting the estate for personal gain, it is understandable why he chose not to pursue this course of action.
Her final wish
Another aspect of Diana’s will was her preference for burial instead of cremation. As events unfolded, Diana received a grand farewell, with millions of people lining the streets to witness her casket procession, ultimately leading to her burial at Althorp. Therefore, in this regard, her wishes were partially fulfilled.
Children’s welfare
Diana’s will also included a provision stating that if she were to pass away before her husband, he would seek guidance from her mother regarding the upbringing, education, and well-being of their children. This foresight proved significant considering Charles’ age at the time, as Diana likely anticipated outliving him when she made the request. Whether Charles adhered to this directive remains unknown.
