It’s no secret that members of the royal family are expected to be well-versed in foreign languages.
From an early age, they are encouraged to learn at least one language other than English.
King Charles himself is known to speak four languages, including Welsh, French, and German.
Following in their footsteps, Prince William and Princess Kate’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are also expected to embrace this tradition.
However, what surprised many is the choice of language for the young Wales children – Spanish.
Traditionally, French has been the second language of choice for the royal family.
Queen Elizabeth was fluent in French, and her grandson William is so proficient that he even affectionately calls Charlotte “Minionette.”
So why did Kate opt for Spanish as her children’s second language?
According to a royal expert, it all comes down to personal connections and past experiences.
Danielle Stacey, Hello’s online royal correspondent, explains that Kate wants her children to be confident linguists because, as future full-time royals, they will meet people from all over the world.
This decision is undoubtedly influenced by Kate’s own experiences.
During her gap year, she spent time in Chile, which may have sparked her interest in the Spanish language.
But Kate isn’t solely relying on her own knowledge to teach her children Spanish.
The Wales children have their very own tutor in the form of their Spanish nanny, Maria Teresa Turrian Borrallo.
Maria has been working for Prince William and Princess Kate since 2014 and will play an increasingly important role in grounding George, Charlotte, and Louis as they grow up in the spotlight.
It’s clear that Kate understands the importance of language skills for her children’s future roles within the royal family.
By introducing them to Spanish, she is ensuring that they have the tools to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
This decision not only reflects Kate’s personal connections but also demonstrates her commitment to preparing her children for their future responsibilities.