How Kate Middleton and Prince William are raising their three children with love, rules and responsibility.

THE FUTURE KING AND QUEEN ARE RAISING THEIR CHILDREN WITH LOVE, RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The children miss seeing their friends at school every day, but like families around the world, the royals have had to adapt. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kate Middleton, Prince William and their three kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, have retreated to the family’s country estate, Anmer Hall, where George and Charlotte have begun doing lessons remotely.

In these uncertain times, Kate, 38, and William, 37, are trying to make their homelife feel as normal as possible. On April 23, they celebrated Louis’ second birthday with a cake and other surprises. “Kate can’t believe how quickly her children are growing up,” says a friend. “Sometimes she’ll joke that she wants them to stay little forever, but she also loves seeing them reach new milestones.”

The children are really maturing fast. Big brother George, 6, received his first camera last Christmas and has become a keen photographer — like his mom! “He’s an inquisitive child and a methodical thinker who thrives on figuring things out,” confides the friend. “If George could spend all day building, doing puzzles and putting things together, he would.”

His sister, Charlotte, 5, is more social — and more mischievous. “She’s a headstrong little girl but also adorable and kindhearted,” the friend says. More than once, Charlotte has led little Louis in a raid on their mom’s secret stash of sweets. “Kate’s found Louis covered in chocolate,” says the friend with a laugh. “When the two of them disappear off together, she assumes they’re up to no good — but in an endearing way.”

After all, how could anyone get angry at Louis? His family nickname is “The Smiler.” “He is such a happy child,” says the friend, adding that Louis loves to draw and finger paint. “He recently made his first Mother’s Day card for Kate!”

NORMAL LIVES

Kate and William are intent on teaching their children that growing up royal doesn’t mean being raised without rules. “They have a housekeeper, but George and Charlotte make their own beds in the morning,” says the friend, who adds that the kids are never spoiled. “Their parents are teaching them to be well-mannered and respectful. The children always have to say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you.’ ”

Parenting has always been a challenge and lately it’s become harder for everyone. Kate and William have been minding their kids while carrying on their royal duties remotely. “They admit that homeschooling and having to entertain the kids all day has been a bit of a nightmare. Kate and William are worn out by 7 p.m.!” confides the friend. “But they feel very fortunate to have such sweet, well-behaved kids.” —

“We’ve grown up differently than other generations. I want to do for myself.”

— Prince William

The family came out on their doorstep to lead the applause as millions of people around the U.K. clapped for frontline workers on April 23, Louis’ second birthday. George is a straight-A student drawn to science and the natural world like his grandfather Prince Charles. “George loves gardening, potting seeds and watching them grow,” says the friend. “He enjoys playing the role of big brother and constantly is looking out for his siblings.”

Kate took this picture of her artistic son, Prince Louis. “He loves getting messy,” says the friend. “He can spend hours scribbling away with his crayons.” Louis was recently taught the royal wave by his brother, George! Charlotte, who bears a striking resemblance to Queen Elizabeth II, is the most confident child. “She’s the leader of the pack and even tries to boss George around,” says the friend. “She also loves meeting new people and is extremely sociable. She doesn’t feel intimidated by crowds.”