7 Reasons Why Kate & Will Are Easy-Going Parents

It happens every time: The first child is born to new parents and the world absolutely stops. Throw some divine right and royal fandom into that mix and it’s no wonder that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge put their first son on a pedestal. I mean, he has to get used to it if he’s going to be the King of England some day, right? But at Princess Charlotte’s christening on Sunday, the Duke and Duchess displayed a more relaxed approach to parenting. All of the glitz and glamour paid to their firstborn seems to have been nudged aside for a more down-to-earth approach to their daughter’s ceremony. And maybe it does have something to do with the fact that she is the spare, not the heir, but I honestly think it has more to do with the natural way of things. The way that all second children get the better, less tightly-wound version of their parents. Because after living through one child’s first few years, most parents realize it’s easier without all of the pomp and circumstance. As adorable as those royal babies may be, taking care of two children all day e’rrday is downright exhausting.

So when Will and Kate rolled up to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene with adorable Prince George in tow, I could tell that everything had changed (yes, even from all the way over here on this side of the pond). The formal entrances and photographs of George’s first few months had been shrugged off for the sake of juggling two kids at once. ‘Cause seriously, it's not easy.

Here are some other moments from Charlotte’s Christening that prove the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have totally loosened up as parents:

1. When Charlotte Was Fine In A Stroller

Because, really, what makes more sense for a mother of two IN HEELS? Carrying a baby in her arms and dealing with a feisty two-year-old or just putting the kid in a damn stroller and making everyone’s lives a little easier? Unlike George’s royal entrance — sitting up in his mother’s arms for everyone to see — the crowd barely got a glimpse of Charlotte as she was wheeled into the church by her mother and father. Royals fans may not have been as happy, but you know Will and Kate were. Because no parent of two has time for that.

2. When She Wore Her Brother’s Hand-Me-Downs

Granted, passing down outfits is totally a Royal tradition, but where George had a replica of the royal Christening gown made specially for him, Kate and Will gave Charlotte the same duds for her big day. If it ain’t broke, ripped, or spit up on, don’t fix it.

3. When They Chose The Local Church Over A Big City Ceremony

Have you traveled with two kids across a country? Let me tell you, it’s no walk in the perfectly groomed park. So I know for a fact the conversation that decided this location for Will and Kate went something like this, “Should we go to London or just, like, roll out to Sandringham after some pancakes on Sunday morning?” PANCAKES. Always the option with pancakes.

4. When They Chose Five Godparents Over George’s Seven

Seriously, who needs seven godparents? Will and Kate have got this parenting thing down. No one needs that many reinforcements.

5. When Harry Didn’t Even Show Up

Because it’s really not a big deal. It’s just a little bit of water being splashed on a baby’s head. They’ll see him at the next polo match anyway.

6. When Kate Chose an Updo

Kate wore her hair pulled back to Charlotte’s christening, a pretty significant difference from George’s, where she wore her long locks down. You know you’re a mom of two when… ponytail.

7. The Lack of Pomp & Pictures

Was that the fastest entrance ever or was it just me? After two kids, those royals know how to get down to business. Especially when Charlotte started to get fussy after Kate took her out of her stroller. The Duchess whisked her into the church and out of the limelight before a single camera could flash.

It’s clear from Charlotte’s christening that Will and Kate have totally unwound after having been through this once. And maybe the world has a little bit too. Either way it’s awesome to see the royals focusing more on their family and less on what the public wants from them. Ah, what a difference a second makes.

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