William and Kate's surprising choice for parenting role models revealed

Prince and Princess of Wales admire their role models’ ability to keep their children out of the public eye.

Prince William and Princess Kate are reportedly looking to Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie as role models for their parenting style, admiring their ability to keep their children out of the public eye. 

Their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, even held a job at a garden centre, showcasing their successful efforts. Sophie is said to be a trusted confidante and "sounding board" for Kate, with the two women forming a strong bond.

Prince William reportedly enjoys a good relationship with his uncle, Edward. Rebecca English, Royal Editor of the Daily Mail, wrote: "It's unsurprising to many in royal circles that they have become role models to the Prince and Princess of Wales, who greatly admire the way they have brought up their children out of the public spotlight." English noted that Louise worked at a garden centre for £6.83 an hour.

Sophie was seen comforting Prince William after the royals' appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour, and he was spotted with Edward at the Order of the Garter service. The appeal of Edward and Sophie to Prince William and Kate may be due to their more relaxed lifestyle, with the couple often seen shopping at Co-op and enjoying family holidays on the Isles of Scilly, reports the Mirror.

Edward and Sophie have a history of bending royal rules. Before their marriage on June 19, 1999, Sophie Rhys-Jones, a tyre salesman's daughter, was the first royal girlfriend to stay overnight at Buckingham Palace without being married. The couple maintained their careers post-wedding, with Edward working in TV production and Sophie in PR, before becoming full-time royals in 2002.