There is nothing that Princess Kate and Prince William prioritise above their young family. As hands-on parents – the like of which is generally out of step with how the Royal Family has traditionally handled their offspring – the couple is said to make sure that their family home runs in a way that ensures the health and happiness of their three children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, aged six.

Whilst the couple’s parenting style includes as much quality time as their royal schedules will allow, and encouraging their children with all the hobbies and activities they enjoy best, it also comes along with what are reported to be some pretty strict rules – one of which is particularly loathsome to the three Wales children. The rule in question came up when Kate and William were heading off to a particularly glitzy event, and reportedly their three children begged to be allowed to join them too – only for this suggestion to be shot down by mum Kate almost immediately.

As reported in GoodtoKnow, William and Kate were poised to leave for the Royal Variety Show at the Albert Hall in 2023, which they attended with Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden when their kids got seriously excited at the prospect of attending, but Kate had to leave them disappointed by telling them “Not on a school night.”

The publication claimed that this is one rule in particular that George, Charlotte, and Louis “despise” but even their royal status isn’t enough to break the school night rule. This isn’t the only rule strictly enforced by Kate and William for their children. The couple reportedly have a firm “no shouting” policy, which will see the child that has started raising their voice quickly removed from the situation, and instead encouraged to talk about how they are feeling calmly.

In another relatable parenting struggle, the Prince and Princess of Wales have some pretty stringent rules about screentime for their children. When the couple’s two oldest children – George and Charlotte – were four and two years old respectively, it was reported that they were banned from using iPads at all, by Us Weekly. An insider speaking to the publication revealed, “Neither like the idea of putting an iPad on in front of the kids. As two people who grew up without gadgets for entertainment, they’re firm believers in toys, outdoor play, and encouraging an active imagination.”