

- Kate Middleton is "very chilled at home," a friend told People.
- Kate and Prince William's household is "a normal, busy family home with kids running around and knocking things over. There’s no airs and graces," the insider said.
- The friend revealed Kate's life is that of "a working mom with three young children—just a different sort of day job to most."
It's hard to imagine the royals as anything but perfectly prim and proper, whether performing their public duties or flossing their teeth of an evening. But according to a friend of Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge is "very chilled at home," with the pomp and ceremony and glossy blow dries nowhere to be seen.
Speaking to People, an unnamed friend of the Duchess said the Cambridge household is "a normal, busy family home with kids running around and knocking things over. There’s no airs and graces." The insider said of Kate, "When you see her behind closed doors with the children, she’s a very confident mom, and she’s no pushover. The children get told off if they act up."
As for Kate's signature, perfectly coiffed look? That doesn't extend to her everyday life at home. "There are no blow-dries—it’s always hair up in a ponytail," the friend said. "She’s either in her gym clothes, or a dress and sneakers, very little makeup, apologizing as she’s late for the school run before dashing off. It’s the life of a working mom with three young children—just a different sort of day job to most."
According to another insider, Kate works hard to ensure children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have normal lives—or normal-adjacent, at least, considering they're literally royals. "She is doing that to help her children be more grounded and keep their reality in check," the source said. "That’s what really matters to her."
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
33 Luxurious Gifts I'm Buying Myself This Season
Because I'm worth it.
By Anna Laplaca
-
Kendall and Hailey Are the Academy Gala's Best-Dressed BFFs
Friends who walk the red carpet together, stay together.
By Kaitlin Clapinski
-
35 Gifts Your Picky Sister Will Love
Your built-in best friend deserves the best.
By Sierra Mayhew
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn