Princess Kate Says She’s Following in Her Parents’ Footsteps When It Comes to Three Key Values That She Thinks Are as Important for Her Children to Learn as Their Schoolwork

"My parents taught me about the importance of qualities like kindness, respect and honesty and I realize how central values like these have been to me throughout my life," Kate explained.

SANDRINGHAM, NORFOLK - DECEMBER 25: Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
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Even though they're raising royal kids, one of Prince William and Princess Kate's biggest parenting priorities comes straight from the Middleton family.

As the Mirror reports, Kate is committed to instilling certain moral values in Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. In fact, the royal has gone on the record as saying that she sees learning these values is just as important for her children as excelling in their studies.

"My parents taught me about the importance of qualities like kindness, respect and honesty and I realize how central values like these have been to me throughout my life," Kate said in a 2017 speech at the Place2Be Big Assembly for Children's Mental Health Week. "That is why William and I want to teach our little children just how important these things are as they grow up. In my view, it is just as important as excelling at maths or sport."

(left to right) Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London. Picture date: Friday December 6, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Kate. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire

Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Princess Kate during the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London in 2024.

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In the speech, Kate stressed the role her family and her childhood experiences played in shaping her own approach to parenthood.

"When I was growing up I was very lucky," Kate explained. "My family was the most important thing to me. They provided me with somewhere safe to grow and learn, and I know I was fortunate not to have been confronted by serious adversity at a young age."

Kate doesn't just want to replicate the safe, nurturing environment she enjoyed growing up for her own kids—she thinks it's something all kids deserve.

"I think that every child should have people around them to show them love, and to show them kindness, and nurture them as they grow," she added.

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales (R) and Britain's Princess Charlotte of Wales applaud on the royal box on Centre Court ahead of the men's singles final tennis match between Italy's Jannik Sinner and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz on the fourteenth day of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 13, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte on the fourteenth day of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships in July 2025.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Kate's core values of kindness, respect and honesty were only strengthened during her recent battle with cancer.

"This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved," Kate explained in a video announcing the end of her cancer treatment.

"Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life," she added. "William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling."

Contributing Editor at Marie Claire

Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.