Kate Middleton Treats Prince William Like ‘a Fourth Child’ and Manages His Tantrums, Royal Insider Claims

Kate Middleton is reportedly so adept at handling her husband Prince William that some palace staff joke she treats him "like her fourth child." This surprising claim comes from royal author Tom Quinn, whose latest book, "Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants," delves into the inner workings of the House of Windsor through interviews with palace insiders.

Quinn revealed that Prince William occasionally has "little tantrums and irritations" when things don’t go his way. According to palace staff, Kate manages these moments with the same patience and skill she uses with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The staff even jokingly refer to William as "the fourth child" due to his emotional outbursts.

One insider noted Kate’s non-royal upbringing has helped her remain grounded and easygoing, making her a favorite among palace staff. In contrast, William and his father, King Charles III, reportedly have a reputation for being "very picky." Their demands reportedly extend to the precise timing of baths, the pressing of suits, and even the polishing of shoes. The same insider commented that individuals who grow up in privilege often struggle to understand the effort behind mundane tasks, which can make them prone to irritability.

Quinn also explored the emotional challenges William faced during his upbringing, including his mother Princess Diana’s tragic death and the public fallout of his parents’ separation. These experiences reportedly contributed to William being "emotionally needy" as an adult, which Kate has helped him navigate over the years. Her influence has allegedly led to fewer tantrums and helped William embrace the importance of hands-on parenting.

Kate’s approach to parenting is said to break royal traditions. According to Quinn’s book, she vowed to handle many childcare responsibilities herself, rather than relying on staff—a decision met with skepticism by some within the palace. She reportedly spends more time on day-to-day childcare tasks than most royals, ensuring her children have a close relationship with their parents despite their titles.

Another tradition Kate has rejected is the controversial "blooding" rite, where royal children are smeared with blood after their first hunting kill. Quinn claims Kate firmly opposed this practice for her children, a stance that aligns with her modern approach to parenting. Interestingly, Diana also objected to many of the royal family’s country pursuits, which reportedly caused friction in her marriage to Charles.

While Kate has adapted well to royal life, she initially had to learn the ropes. One anecdote from Quinn’s book describes a moment when William humorously critiqued one of her outfits, likening it to someone who had "run through a charity shop covered in superglue." Kate reportedly took the comment in stride, showcasing her ability to laugh at herself.

Despite initial challenges, Kate has earned respect from both staff and senior courtiers. Her willingness to embrace advice and her modern parenting philosophy have solidified her role as a beloved member of the royal family.