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Kate Middleton’s Parenting Move Was a Comforting Gesture During Latest Royal Outing

Kate Middleton is a natural with kids, and these brand-new photos are proof.

Yesterday, the Duchess of Cambridge, 40, honored the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire by attending a memorial service alongside her husband, Prince William. Middleton looked chic in a white dress with a collar and double-breasted buttons, but that didn’t stop her from entering mom mode while chatting with a group of children.

When she approached them, Middleton used her go-to parenting move: bending down to meet their eye-level.

kate middleton parenting move
PETER NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP/Getty Images

The direct eye contact is beneficial because it avoids asserting dominance over whoever she’s speaking to. Not only does it encourage open communication, but it also allows kids to express themselves on equal terms. Oh, and did we mention that Princess Diana used this method, too?

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

kate middleton parenting move memorial service
PETER NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP/Getty Images

During the outing, Middleton and Prince William honored the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire with flowers and wreaths before chatting with the survivors and their families. The tragedy took place in 2017, when a fire erupted in a 24-story apartment building and killed 72 people.

This week’s memorial service (which took place at the foot of the now-vacated site) was organized by Grenfell United, a charity that was created by a group of survivors advocating for change.

Way to read the room, Middleton.

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greta

Senior Editor

Greta Heggeness is a California-based editor at PureWow and has been writing about entertainment since 2015. She covers everything from awards shows to exclusive celebrity...