When it comes to dining during special occasions, the royal children—Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Prince Louis—find themselves at the kids’ table, away from their parents.
This intriguing tradition means that even during festive gatherings like Christmas, the young royals are separated from Prince William and Princess Catherine.
As they edge closer to their teenage years, they will continue to be seated apart until they can master the art of polite conversation, a rule that many parents of energetic youngsters might find relatable.
The separation at the dining table is not just a casual arrangement; it’s a longstanding royal custom.
According to former royal chef Darren McGrady, children in the royal family have traditionally not been allowed to join adult conversations until they demonstrate proper table manners, including the correct use of cutlery.
This practice is strictly maintained, even during significant family holidays, emphasizing the importance of decorum at the dining table.
Reflecting on his own upbringing, Prince William noted that while his mother, Diana, had a different approach, often eating with him and his brother Harry, the current royal parenting style is more structured.
Diana’s relaxed dining habits, which sometimes included meals in front of the television, stand in contrast to the expectations set for the Wales children today.
With no gadgets like iPads to distract them, William and Catherine rely on traditional toys and outdoor play to engage their kids.
William candidly shared that the success of family dinners hinges on what’s served.
If the menu features dishes the children enjoy, mealtime tends to go smoothly.
However, if the offerings are less appealing, it can turn into a struggle.
This insight reveals a practical side to royal dining, where the food choices can make or break the atmosphere at the table.
The couple’s commitment to instilling good dining etiquette in their children is a thoughtful approach that aims to prepare them for future social situations.
The children’s nanny plays a crucial role in this process, overseeing meal planning to ensure a balanced diet rich in healthy vegetables while also introducing them to more sophisticated adult dishes.
Prince William reminisced about his own challenges with food as a child, admitting that he and Harry were sometimes bribed to eat their vegetables.
On occasions when bribery failed, they resorted to clever disguises, hiding vegetables within their favorite foods to encourage consumption.
Such tactics highlight the universal struggle parents face when it comes to getting their children to eat healthily.
As William and Catherine awaited the arrival of their first child, Prince George, they received a crate of organic baby food from Queen Camilla.
However, an insider revealed that such packaged foods were unlikely to be part of George’s diet, given the royal family’s preference for freshly prepared meals made by their team of chefs.
After all, why opt for convenience when there are 20 personal chefs at your service?
The culinary journey for royal babies begins with finely pureed fruits, like apples and pears, prepared meticulously to ensure a smooth texture.
As they grow older, the kitchen operation becomes increasingly elaborate, with multiple chefs collaborating to create wholesome meals tailored to the young royals’ tastes.
This level of care reflects a commitment to quality that is expected in royal households.
Interestingly, despite the royal privileges, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are expected to maintain good manners at mealtimes, just like any other children.
Reports indicate that they are required to finish everything on their plates, fostering a sense of discipline around food.
When dining out at exclusive venues like the Hurlingham Club in London, they participate in the same routines as other families, ordering without any special treatment.
In their daily lives, the young royals have little say over their schedules, which are meticulously managed by their nanny, Maria Borallo.
Trained at the esteemed Norland College, known for its exceptional standards in childcare, Maria ensures that the Wales children adhere to a consistent routine that balances play and learning.
Life for Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Prince Louis is characterized by a no-nonsense upbringing, as described by Louise Herron, who offers insights into their structured lifestyle.
This blend of royal tradition and modern parenting techniques sets a foundation for the children, preparing them not just for their roles within the royal family but also for life beyond the palace walls.