Prince William and Kate Middleton Have a "Modern Approach" to Raising Prince George as a Future King

• Even though he's directly in line to be the King of England someday, Prince George (opens in new tab) has a surprisingly normal life.
• Speaking to Us Weekly, a royal source offered some insights into George's upbringing and how Prince William and Kate Middleton (opens in new tab) are moving toward a "more modern approach to parenting" than previous royals.
• The source said all three Cambridge kids are encouraged to "express their emotions and ask questions to enable them to grow up as healthy adults."

Prince William and Kate Middleton (opens in new tab) are changing the royal parenting game.

Specifically, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are modernizing what it means to be a royal parent, a source explained to Us Weekly (opens in new tab). According to the source, the pair are "strict, but fair" as parents and encourage all three of their kids (Prince George (opens in new tab), 8, Princess Charlotte (opens in new tab), 6, and Prince Louis (opens in new tab), 3) to "express their emotions and ask questions to enable them to grow up as healthy adults."

"The royals are renowned for being 'stiff upper lip,' but William and Kate have a more modern approach to parenting and are moving away from that mentality," the insider notes. "Open communication is key for them. … [But they] set boundaries and have rules in place."

This focus on what helps kids grow into healthy, well-adjusted adult humans is no surprise, considering Kate's longtime focus (opens in new tab) on researching and bringing awareness to the importance of the early years of childhood in shaping adult outcomes in life.

While Will and Kate (opens in new tab) are obviously focused on being top notch parents to all three of their kids, there's extra interest in how George, who is in line to be the monarch someday, is growing up. The answer? As normally as possible, all things considered. The source says the Cambridges "want George to have a normal life"—which means no special treatment at school and the same chores and expectations at home that any kid his age would have.

"He’s not called Prince George at school and is simply known as George, he mixes with children his own age," the royal source added. "Kate and William don’t shower him with expensive gifts nor do they over spoil him.…George makes his bed every morning.…All the children have impeccable manners and always say please and thank you."