ComScore

Wait, Did Kate Middleton Get Her Go-To Parenting Move From Princess Diana?!

It’s no secret that one of Kate Middleton’s go-to parenting moves involves bending down to meet kids at eye-level—but she wasn’t the first member of the royal family to use this method. In fact, she may have borrowed it from her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

If you recall, the Duchess of Cambridge has used the move on multiple occasions, and fans have long admired her thoughtfulness. But based on these throwback photos that resurfaced in honor of the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, it seems that Middleton is taking after Lady Di.

princess diana kate middleton parenting move photography
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The picture above was taken when Middleton stopped by the Royal Photographic Society for a workshop benefitting Action for Children, where she bent down to show something to a child. The photo below was captured in 1997, when Princess Diana visited the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple in London.

princess diana kate middleton parenting move
Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Images

You’ll notice that both royals are crouched down, so they can meet the eye-level of the person they’re talking to. The parenting move can be used to foster open communication on an equal playing field and create a comfortable environment for the child. Plus, it avoids asserting dominance.

princess diana kate middleton parenting move photo
Phil Noble/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Human behavioral expert Susan Constantine explained this notion to The Royal UK. “This is a way for them to refrain from being authoritative and, in turn, better relate to their children,” she said.

princess diana kate middleton parenting move royal family
Anwar Hussein/WireImage

One thing’s for sure: Middleton learned from the best.

Stay up-to-date on every breaking royal family story by subscribing here.



greta

Senior Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes and edits news and entertainment content
  • Specializes in breaking celebrity news, royal family coverage and TV show and movie recommendations
  • Has 9 years experience in entertainment coverage

news
/ Danielle Long
Camera Captures Super Striking Photo of Prince William Without Wife Kate at Pope Francis’s Funeral
news
/ Rachel Bowie
Whoops, Princess Eugenie Just Flashed Her Phone’s Lock Screen & Her Photo Choice Immediately Caught My Eye
news
/ Danielle Long
Royal News Roundup: King Charles to Miss the Pope's Funeral, Prince Louis's Birthday Photo Breaks Tradition & More
news
/ Nakeisha Campbell
Sarah Ferguson Unveils New Pics with Her Daughters & Their Body Language Is So Telling
news
/ Danielle Long
What Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Body Language Reveals About Their Marriage Ahead of Major Milestone, According to Expert
news
/ Nakeisha Campbell
Kensington Palace Releases Striking Portrait of Duchess Sophie Standing Alone
news
/ Danielle Long
Kerry Washington Just Wore a See-Through Dress & Made It Look Effortlessly Classy
news
/ Danielle Long
The Palace Just Dropped a Stunning New Photo of Princess Anne—But This Detail Made Me Do a Double Take
news
/ Danielle Long
Prince Harry's Body Language at Yesterday's Outing Speaks Volumes About His Marriage, According to Expert
news
/ Danielle Long
Travis Kelce's Brother Just Publicly Mentioned Potential Vasectomy—and His Wife Has Thoughts
news
/ Danielle Long
Why King Charles Won’t Be at Pope Francis’s Funeral (and Who’s Going Instead)
news
/ Danielle Long
Royals Post Prince Louis Video Hours After Bday Portrait Release—& Fans Spotted This Major Detail (No, Not the Teeth)
news
/ Philip Mutz
Kensington Palace Drops Striking New Prince Louis Birthday Portrait—But I Noticed Something Super Surprising
news
/ Nakeisha Campbell
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Prince Harry
news
/ Chelsea Candelario
Jennifer Aniston Just Called Out 'The Last of Us' Over Her Unexpected Cameo
news
/ Danielle Long
Meghan Markle Reveals Why She Made That Major Pivot—& It's Not What I Expected
See More