Kate Middleton's parenting rule means this one thing is 'absolutely off limits' for the Cambridge children

You'd be forgiven for thinking that life as a Prince or Princess is all fun and games, but it seems royal mum Kate Middleton runs a pretty strict household when it comes to her three children, eight-year-old Prince George, six-year-old Princess Charlotte and three-year-old Prince Louis. Yep, as well as having a very particular set of standards for potential employees, she's also got some non-negotiable guidelines that she expects the Cambridge kids to follow, too.

While she and husband Prince William have made no secret of the fact they want their children to have as much of a "normal" childhood as possible, that's not to say they don't have their fair share of rules. And one of those rules is that their three children are not allowed to raise their voices at one another – which seems pretty fair, if you ask us.

"Shouting is absolutely 'off limits' for the children and any hint of shouting at each other is dealt with by removal", a source close to the family revealed to The Sun. "The naughty child is taken away from the scene of the row or disruption and talked to calmly by either Kate or William."

But, there's no 'naughty step' at the Cambridge household, instead the children are taken to the "chat sofa", according to the insider. No 'naughty step'... We wonder what Jo Frost's Supernanny thinks about that?

"There’s no 'naughty step' but there is a 'chat sofa'," the source added. "Things are explained and consequences outlined and they never shout at them."

Despite having very clear parenting rules, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have worked hard at not being too strict on their kids – enlisting the help of nanny, Maria Borrallo. "Maria is firm but she never acts unilaterally with the children on discipline", the insider said. "Kate and William, along with Maria, are strict with the children but have this magic ability to appear not to be."

The source went on: "It is a military operation but you would never guess it because they work ferociously hard on their children's upbringing and making it seem relaxed and happy for the three of them. They are very good at listening to the children but being firm."

Erm, seems like these two ought to be up for Parents of the Year award, right!?

Jade Biggs

Freelance Writer

Jade Biggs (she/her) is one of Cosmopolitan UK's freelance writers, working across all sections including entertainment, beauty, body, and sex and relationships. She previously held the position of Features Writer, covering everything from breaking news and the latest royal gossip, to the health and fitness trends taking over your TikTok feed. Jade has a degree in journalism and has been a journalist and content editor for ten years, interviewing leading researchers, high-profile influencers, and industry experts in that time. She is a cat mom to four fur babies and is obsessed with Drag Race, bottomless brunches, and wearing clothes only suitable for Bratz dolls. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.