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Prince William and Kate Middleton are taking a step back from the public eye this April to spend time with their children \u2014 a move that comes amid past criticism of the prince\u2019s workload.<\/p>\n
The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to scale back their schedule of royal duties in the coming weeks as their three children are on a school break, People magazine<\/a> reported. The royal children \u2014 Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 \u2014 attend Lambrook School, which ended its term on March 27. Students won\u2019t be back in the classroom until April 22.<\/p>\n Fox News Digital reached out to Kensington Palace for comment.<\/p>\n KATE MIDDLETON\u2019S HIDDEN HOBBY, LOVE FOR OUTDOORS FUELS HER \u2018RURAL RENAISSANCE\u2019 AND RISING POPULARITY: EXPERT<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWilliam and Kate have traditionally taken time off during their children\u2019s school holidays to try to normalize their upbringing as much as they can,\u201d royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n \u201cThere has obviously been a lot of strain on the children\u2019s lives due to Kate\u2019s past cancer diagnosis<\/a>. And like everyday parents, they wish to create as many positive and happy memories for the family to cherish.\u201d<\/p>\n In January 2025, Kate announced that her cancer was officially in remission.<\/p>\n WATCH: PRINCE WILLIAM \u2018ADAMANT\u2019 ABOUT GIVING HIS CHILDREN A NORMAL LIFE: AUTHOR<\/strong><\/p>\n The family may travel abroad during the break, the outlet reported. The royals were spotted skiing in the French Alps last year. They typically retreat to Anmer Hall, their country home in Norfolk, where they spend time outdoors.\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2020, Kate revealed on the \u201cHappy Mum, Happy Baby\u201d podcast<\/a> that her favorite times with the family are \u201coutside in the countryside, and we\u2019re all filthy dirty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI feel the British public accepts this situation,\u201d said Turner. \u201cThe couple is known to go into the countryside, trekking through muddy forests and getting dirty. And skiing is a passion for William and Kate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe timing isn\u2019t random,\u201d British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. \u201cThe couple typically prioritizes family time<\/a> during school holidays. Their decision may subtly challenge King Charles\u2019 work-heavy model of monarchy. However, their decision is well thought through and approved of by the king. And it\u2019s a practical decision to ensure their children have a balanced upbringing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFocusing on quality engagements around their children\u2019s school breaks and prioritizing their family\u2019s needs is a balanced approach that will benefit the future of the monarchy,\u201d Chard added.<\/p>\n The decision also comes as William has faced scrutiny over his workload, Turner noted.<\/p>\n \u201cWilliam has his own plans for the future regarding work,\u201d he said. \u201cMany royal watchers will look at it closely. He has been criticized in the past for being lazy and only performing duties he enjoys rather than the heavier workload of his father, King Charles, and his aunt Princess Anne.\u201d<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Over the years, William has repeatedly drawn criticism for not taking on as many duties as other family members, earning him the label \u201cwork-shy.\u201d<\/p>\n Royal experts previously told Fox News Digital that Anne, who has been crowned \u201cthe hardest-working royal\u201d by the press, was hopeful that her nephew would pick up the slack as he prepares to be king one day. Those comments came after\u00a0The Sunday Times<\/a> reported that William \u201cannoys\u201d his aunt when it comes to their shared royal duties.<\/p>\n Several unnamed sources close to Anne claimed that she wanted to see the father of three do more \u201cbread-and-butter\u201d royal engagements<\/a>. The outlet pointed out that only the king, as well as Anne and William, conduct investitures, many of which take place at Windsor Castle.<\/p>\n Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace at the time.<\/p>\n Investitures are ceremonies in which a senior royal presents medals to people recognized for their significant contributions. The ceremonies are traditionally held at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. According to the royal family\u2019s website<\/a>, there are about 30 investitures each year.<\/p>\n But Fordwich said William and Kate take a different approach to royal duties.<\/p>\n LIKE WHAT YOU\u2019RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThey are approaching their royal roles in a more mission-driven manner to make a tangible difference,\u201d she said. \u201cPrince William has spoken directly about this, as well as his determination to avoid repeating the emotionally distant upbringing usually associated with royal tradition.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe has always relished the regular middle-class activities of Princess Catherine\u2019s family<\/a>,\u201d Fordwich said. \u201cFrom the outset, he thoroughly enjoyed the normalcy of her family. He has stated on numerous occasions his desire to be family-oriented and more relatable at all the events they attend. This has been well received by the public, as reflected in their popularity in the polls.\u201d<\/p>\n One palace insider told People magazine that William and Kate have been raising their children differently from other royals. The source said they\u2019re leaning into Kate\u2019s non-aristocratic upbringing.<\/p>\n British royals expert Hilary Fordwich<\/a> told Fox News Digital that the couple\u2019s decision to scale back from royal duties this month isn\u2019t a \u201ccrisis\u201d as some may think.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about doing the right thing,\u201d she stressed. \u201cEvery year, they focus on family time during the Easter holiday season. Given all the issues surrounding [other family members], this is a wise move to ensure future stability. Such quality family time is extremely beneficial for the development of well-rounded, adjusted children.\u201d<\/p>\n Fordwich previously told Fox News Digital that William and Kate are recognized as doting parents behind palace doors, and they have been determined to work together as a team<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cPrince William and Kate Middleton\u2019s parenting style is extremely hands-on by royal standards,\u201d\u00a0she said at the time. \u201cThose traveling with and receiving Prince William and his eldest son, Prince George, have commented on their close bond and even similar mannerisms.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPrince William craves normalcy after his tumultuous childhood,\u201d Fordwich shared. \u201cOne of the great appeals Kate had for William was her stable family. Those closest to her have always shared that she and Prince William wanted the children to live in the real world, not a gilded bubble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey want them to grow up having the same experiences as other kids.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWilliam and Catherine have been determined that their children will have as normal an upbringing as possible and that their privacy and well-being<\/a> will have a priority,\u201d royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams also told Fox News Digital. \u201cThis was clear from the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe balance they have struck with releasing photographs and arranging appearances of their children in exchange for privacy seems an excellent one,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a similar sentiment a palace insider shared with People magazine.<\/p>\n