William and Kate have rejected royal convention and opted not to have staff, so their three children can do chores at home.
The couple employ daytime staff to manage their busy working schedules but after school, they prefer to raise their children alone. And George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, are all expected to muck in.
A source said: “It would surprise people to see how ordinary things are at home. The children help with laying the table, clearing their plates when they’ve finished eating and helping with tidying up. There’s no special treatment.”
As Prince of Wales, King Charles had an army of staff, including four chefs, a butler, three valets, dressers, four assistants and five house managers. But William and Kate, both 42, decided two years ago that Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, the family’s live-in nanny, would not relocate with them when they moved to Windsor. During the princess’s treatment and recovery from cancer, Kate has been determined to make sure her children’s home life is not disrupted.
The couple employ daytime staff to manage their busy working schedules but after school, they prefer to raise their children alone ( Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
She has reportedly chosen not to hire more staff to help her cope. As a result, the children have been expected to carry on with their household jobs. Evenings in their four-bedroom country home, Adelaide Cottage, involve just themselves, taking turns to do the cooking.
The source said: “Catherine is very, very natural. She keeps the family down to earth. Home is a safe haven. In a bid to keep things functioning as smoothly as possible she has been keen for everything to carry on as normal for the children.”
The source added: “The children are still expected do their chores and to muck in.”
The couple have a repertoire of dishes they enjoy cooking – from curries to teriyaki salmon – and when some help is required, Kate can turn to her mother Carole for assistance.
The source added: “She has a lovely, supportive family to turn to, which helps. But she wants to show her children the importance of being grounded and in touch with people.” Meanwhile, the King is advertising for two more chefs to join the staff at Buckingham Palace and at other royal households across the year.
He is seeking a sous chef and chef de partie, with the job advert that closes today reading: “Experience in both volume catering and classical French cuisine would be advantageous.”
