Photo:Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince George of Cambridge stand on the balcony at Buckingham Palace at the end of the Platinum Pageant on The Mall on June 5, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952.

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty

Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare raisingPrince Georgedifferently than previous royal heirs.

The couple “consciously set out to achieve a sense of normality,” a close source exclusively tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story.

“Royal families over the generations haven’t had the chance to get those foundations right, but they have,” says a friend.

Marion Crawford with Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret.Bettmann Archive/Getty

Princess Elizabeth (C) and her younger sister Princess Margaret of Great Britain play in a miniature automobile while their governess, Marion Crawford, keeps an eye on them. Elizabeth will grow up to become Queen Elizabeth II.

Bettmann Archive/Getty

When he was a child, King Charles was left for months on end with his grandmother and nannies while Queen Elizabeth went on long tours. “You can’t see this couple doing that,” says a source close to the royal household.

“Bringing William was what made it really different. There was a huge amount made of Diana being a breath of fresh air and [so] modern. It was enormous,“said Jane Connors, author ofRoyal Visits to Australia, of the decision.

“[When he] went off to school, it was like a circus,” says royals author Ingrid Seward. “The poor little boy had to do [photo-calls]. Thankfully, it is much more private today.”

But Kate and William regularly drive the kids to school and makes sure they are home most evenings for their return. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are encouraged toplay outdoorsand help withbaking kid-friendly treats in the kitchen.

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Prince George, Prince Louis and Kate Middleton in May 2023.DANIEL LEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Prince George of Wales, Britain’s Prince Louis of Wales and Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales toast marshmallows as they take part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough

Because Princess Kate was raised outside the royal fold, she has encouraged blending the children’s royal life with a normal upbringing.

“Coming from a different background, she appreciates the importance of having family time,” says a source close to the royal household. “She wasn’t brought up in that aristocratic setting where you see the children for a short time each day.”

source: people.com