In pictures: 8 times Kate Middleton perfectly managed George, Louis and Charlotte's mischief and tantrums
She's an expert at managing her children's public outbursts
Kate Middleton has long earned praise not only for her poise and elegance but also for her remarkably down-to-earth and attentive approach to motherhood, especially when her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have a tantrum.
Whether at royal engagements or more casual family outings, Kate has shown just how skilled she is at managing the antics and outbursts of her three children, Prince George, now 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven.
From gentle whispers to firm-but-loving guidance, these moments offer heartwarming proof of the princess’ close bond with her little ones.
Kate Middleton holds onto upset Prince George in 2014
One of Kate’s earliest viral mum moments came when Prince George was just a toddler.
Attending a charity polo match at Cirencester Park to support Prince William, the young duchess was spotted expertly juggling baby George’s restlessness as he squirmed in her arms, eager to explore the grass rather than be held.
Dressed in adorable red dungarees, the little prince kept wriggling away, but Kate, smiling through it, gently redirected him with patience.
Kate and George at sister Pippa’s wedding in 2017
At her sister Pippa’s glamorous Berkshire wedding in 2017, Kate was not just a guest. She was also wrangling an entire royal bridal party of children, including George and Charlotte.
When George became a little too playful, Kate was photographed crouching down and speaking to him, helping him calm down.
Her firm yet compassionate guidance quickly worked. George composed himself and behaved impeccably for the rest of the event.
Princess Charlotte has tantrum at Hamburg Airport
Royal tours can be exhausting, especially for children. During the Cambridges’ royal tour of Germany and Poland in 2017, a young Princess Charlotte had a mini meltdown on the tarmac after a tumble.
Rubbing her eyes and looking tearful, she was quickly comforted by her mum, who knelt down to console her. Kate’s soothing presence helped Charlotte recover as they boarded the flight home.
Charlotte and Kate at Meghan and Harry’s royal wedding in 2018
On the steps of St George’s Chapel in Windsor in 2018, moments before walking down the aisle as a bridesmaid at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding, Princess Charlotte looked slightly overwhelmed.
Kate leaned in close to reassure her daughter, offering a quiet word and a steady presence.
This small but sweet gesture showed how attuned she is to her children’s needs even in high-pressure moments.
Charlotte’s tears at Trooping the Colour in 2018
In June 2018, Kate quickly stepped in to comfort Princess Charlotte after the young royal took a tumble on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Trooping the Colour flypast.
The then three-year-old had been eagerly watching the skies. But in the excitement, Charlotte lost her balance and began to topple backwards.
Fortunately, Kate was right beside her. With calm instinct, Kate caught her daughter before Charlotte started crying.
A visibly startled Charlotte was scooped up by her mum in a warm, protective embrace.
Iconic moment Princess Charlotte stuck her tongue out
Princess Charlotte made headlines for her playful antics during a 2019 charity sailing race, giving royal fans another glimpse of Kate’s calm and composed parenting style.
Kate and Prince William were competing against each other in the regatta. Meanwhile, Prince George and Princess Charlotte watched the event unfold from a boat with their grandparents, Carole and Michael Middleton.
But it was Charlotte who stole the show. After the race, Kate brought the children up to a viewing area above the prize-giving stage. As the crowd looked up and waved, four-year-old Charlotte decided to give them a different kind of greeting by sticking out her tongue.
Kate reacted instantly but calmly, gently guiding her daughter back from the window whilst chuckling.
Reports later suggested Charlotte was sticking her tongue out to her grandfather Michael!
Louis’ mischievous behaviour at platinum jubilee celebrations
Prince Louis may be royal, but he’s also a child with a LOT of energy.
During Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations in June 2022, Louis, seated next to Kate, famously became a bit too cheeky, sticking out his tongue, pulling faces and even placing his hand over his mother’s mouth during a concert.
Rather than reacting sternly, Kate maintained her composure. Later, the young prince was spotted cuddling up to his mum.
Kate received some criticism for her calm approach, while others praised her.
Trooping the Colour in 2022
Balcony appearances can be daunting, but Kate offered quiet reassurance throughout Trooping the Colour in 2022. She was spotted whispering softly to Louis and giving his hand and shoulder a loving squeeze.
Little Louis was seen looking a bit bored with his head in his hands as he gave a grumpy face.
Body language expert Judi James called Kate’s actions a “masterclass in parenting”.
“Kate’s body language showed she was focused on the children first and foremost,” Judi told Express. “When the moment came to listen to the ‘three cheers’ to the queen from the crowd, a couple of small reminder touches had all three immediately pulling up into a pose of attention.”
Read more: In pictures: Prince Louis’ most iconic Trooping the Colour balcony appearances
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