Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is not only known for her unwavering loyalty to the crown but also for her commitment to her own personal ethos. As revealed in a new biography by royal expert Robert Jobson, Kate has always been clear about her priorities: her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, come first.

Family First, Royal Duties Second

Raised in a close-knit family outside the royal sphere, Kate’s upbringing has significantly influenced her approach to royal life. In Catherine, the Princess of Wales, Jobson writes that Kate “knows her own mind” and has established some fundamental life rules since joining the royal family. According to Jobson, in early 2015, when she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte, Kate made her terms clear to both Queen Elizabeth II and then-Prince Charles, expressing her desire to grow into her role at her own pace and emphasizing that her family would always be her top priority.

Prince William conveyed Kate’s wishes to the Queen and his father, stating that she needed “space to grow into her role and more time to adapt to the peculiarities of royal life,” Jobson writes. She also insisted on taking her full maternity leave, shielding herself from the public and media spotlight during that time.

Balancing Health and Duty

While Kate remains devoted to her royal duties, she also prioritizes her health as she continues her treatment for cancer, a diagnosis she publicly announced in March. Jobson told PEOPLE that Kate is taking things slowly, re-entering public life on her terms. Her recent appearances at Trooping the Colour in June and Wimbledon in July marked her gradual return to public duties.

“She isn’t being governed by it being a good picture opportunity,” Jobson said. “The health and proper recovery is what is important.”

A Summer of Family Focus

This summer, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to spend quality time with their children at their country residence, Anmer Hall. “They escape there, and it is very much a private place,” Jobson explained. “They can go out and ride their bikes with the children and not have anybody bothering them.”

Jobson also mentioned that the family might visit Balmoral Castle in Scotland, the royal family’s traditional August retreat. However, he noted that these traditions might shift, with the focus now more on King Charles and Queen Camilla. William and Kate are likely to visit, but perhaps not for the extended periods customary under the late Queen Elizabeth.

The Challenges Ahead

Jobson highlighted the couple’s ongoing challenge: balancing family life while preparing Prince George for his future role. “It’s a hard job to do that,” he told PEOPLE. “The couple’s biggest challenge is to keep family life going while preparing George for his role without freaking out neither him nor Charlotte as to what that role is.”

The Princess of Wales’s dedication to her children is something she strongly believes in, especially given the “alien world” she has stepped into. “Standing up for herself and her beliefs around family first takes quite a lot of courage,” Jobson told Hello! “But she realizes she only has one shot at this. Her children are very, very young. This is a time she won’t get back again.”

A Different Approach to Royal Parenting

Kate’s experience growing up outside the aristocratic setting has shaped her perspective on family time. A source close to the royal household told PEOPLE that “coming from a different background, she appreciates the importance of having family time.” Unlike the traditional royal upbringing, where children often spend limited time with their parents, Kate and William are determined to provide a more grounded and normal upbringing for their kids.

“They are raising George, Charlotte, and Louis with a different model than royal children before them,” a palace insider said. “Those children look pretty happy with life. A lot of it is the stabilizing normality Kate brings—and that’s how she grew up. William absolutely loves it.”

Building a Foundation for the Future

The Prince and Princess of Wales have consciously aimed to create a sense of normality for their family. A close source told PEOPLE that “royal families over the generations haven’t had the chance to get those foundations right, but they have.”

As they navigate the challenges of royal life, Kate and William remain committed to their family’s well-being, demonstrating that their children’s happiness and stability are paramount.