In European and Middle Eastern monarchies, a new approach to parenting is emerging, one that is less formal, more involved, and a departure from the strict traditions of the past.
From Belgium to Jordan, and from the UK to Spain, royal families are evolving. While tradition remains a powerful force, a new generation of royals is trying to balance their state duties with family life in a more humane way.
In Belgium, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde represent a sharp break from the rigid parenting style that marked their own childhoods. King Philippe, raised “among nannies and tutors,” according to Nicolas Fontaine, editor-in-chief of Histoires Royales, has always wanted to be a present father. “From the very beginning, he wanted to drive his children to school and do homework with them,” confirms Pierre De Vuyst, a journalist for Soir mag.
Read Also: “Revolutionizing Nursing Education: Fnopi’s Innovations
Queen Mathilde, on the other hand, makes it a point to avoid scheduling official duties during school holidays so that she can be present for her children’s exams. The royal couple also makes an effort to introduce their children to public life through family outings to concerts, cultural events, or sports matches.
In contrast, King Albert and Queen Paola, who admitted to being absentee parents during their reign, are now trying to make up for it with their grandchildren. “They try to be close to them,” says Pierre De Vuyst. Queen Paola, of Italian descent, now plays a central role in the family, often organizing major gatherings, both in Belgium and at their foreign residences.
In Jordan, the royal family is modernizing its image by openly embracing their proximity to younger generations. Crown Prince Hussein and his wife, Rajwa, recently welcomed a daughter, Iman. From the very beginning, public images of the couple lovingly interacting with their baby were shared, a rare gesture in the region, which has been praised for its simplicity. The couple is supported by King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, with Queen Rania even announcing Iman’s birth on Instagram. “They fully embrace this image of both sovereigns and grandparents,” notes Fontaine.
In Spain, however, the generational divide is more pronounced. Former King Juan Carlos, who has been in exile in Abu Dhabi since 2020, maintains limited contact with his eight grandchildren. Although his daughters, Elena and Cristina, visit him, the relationship with his son, King Felipe, is still influenced by the past scandals.
Despite this, the education of Princesses Leonor and Sofia is exemplary. “King Felipe and Queen Letizia instilled a sense of duty in them from a young age,” Fontaine notes. Leonor, who has been involved in official activities since her teens, embodies a serious and discreet heir to the throne.
Meanwhile, in the UK, Prince William and Kate Middleton have adopted a more modern approach to parenting. William, who experienced an absence of stability during his own childhood, aims to provide more consistency for his children. Kate, who faced difficult pregnancies, has deeply invested in understanding early childhood development.
However, their approach hasn’t been universally well received. “Some criticized William when he revealed that George watches cartoons on a tablet,” reports Pierre De Vuyst. Even small details have sparked controversy, such as when the young prince was seen with a plastic gun, which triggered an outcry in the UK. “This raised questions about the way they were raising their children,” Fontaine adds.
King Charles III, now a grandfather, has a close relationship with William’s children, particularly Prince George, the presumptive heir. However, his relationship with Prince Harry’s children is more distant due to geographical separation and ongoing family tensions. “Lilibet, Harry and Meghan’s daughter, has only met her grandfather once, during Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee in 2022,” notes Fontaine. Nonetheless, Charles is trying to make amends for past mistakes: “He is a better father than Prince Philip was, and William, in turn, is a better father than Charles,” concludes Pierre De Vuyst.
This article is originally published on RTL.
