Kate Middleton's parents encourage George, Charlotte ad Louis in very unroyal hobby

In an interview, Kate Middleton highlighted the benefits of outdoor time for both physical and mental well-being, and how it fosters quality family, adding that the messy moments with her are the ones she wants her children to remember

The Wales family has been in the spotlight throughout 2024, particularly over the summer as Princess Kate made her gradual return to public life following her cancer diagnosis earlier in the year.

As the Princess of Wales increases her public appearances, so too have her children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - taken on more visible roles. The young Wales children, future leaders of the royal family, are slowly learning the responsibilities that come with their positions. However, despite their significant futures, Prince William and Princess Kate remain determined to ensure that George, Charlotte, and Louis enjoy a normal childhood, reminiscent of Kate Middleton’s happy upbringing. The Middleton family has reportedly been a great source of support in finding this balance. Princess Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, are said to be "an enduring factor in the upbringing of their grandchildren," helping to maintain a sense of normalcy and grounding for the young royals.

A key part of this upbringing is an emphasis on spending time outdoors. Carole Middleton has previously spoken about her passion for encouraging her grandchildren to connect with nature and the importance of allowing them to get messy. In a 2021 interview with Saga Magazine, she revealed that she actively encourages her grandchildren to “get muddy.”

"It's important for children to grow up appreciating nature, and part of that is allowing them to get a bit muddy," Carole Middleton explained during the interview. She also shared some practical tips for making outdoor activities fun and engaging for children. "If I'm doing planting with my grandchildren, I like to have it all laid out at 'activity stations' with their own little trowel and pot so they can get started immediately. It's no good calling children over to an activity, only for you then to have to fuss about looking for the right equipment and clearing a space. They'll soon lose interest and slope off."

Princess Kate herself has often spoken about her love of the outdoors and how she enjoys getting muddy with her children. Reflecting on this, she said: "I'm happy when I'm with my family outside in the countryside and we're all filthy dirty." In a conversation on Giovanna Fletcher's "Happy Mum, Happy Baby" podcast, Kate elaborated on her childhood and how much time she spent outdoors. “As children, we spent a lot of time outside, and it’s something I’m really passionate about,” she explained. She highlighted the benefits of outdoor time for both physical and mental wellbeing, and how it fosters quality family relationships. “That’s what I would want them to remember - those moments with me as a mother... going to the beach, getting soaking wet, filling our boots full of water.” For the Wales children, it’s these simple, nature-filled experiences that seem to be at the heart of their childhood - a very unroyal hobby, but one their parents and grandparents deeply value.