Kate Middleton turned 32 on January 9th and had her family over for a cozy birthday dinner at Kensington Palace. So why did the princess have her birthday dinner at home and not out in a fancy restaurant? She and Prince William thought it would be far easier and more enjoyable for the birthday girl to not take their son, Prince George, out to a restaurant.

That’s actually rather refreshing to hear. Certainly Prince William and Kate Middleton could afford the finest of nannies with whom to leave their baby boy. Instead they chose to stay at home with him–and made it sound like the nanny option wasn’t even a mere consideration.

Kate didn’t prepare her own birthday meal, but instead asked their housekeeper, Antonella Fresolone (yes, the royal couple does have a housekeeper on staff), to whip up one of her Italian specialty dishes for the celebration. Kate Middleton’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, were in attendance at the gathering, as was her sister Pippa Middleton, and her brother James Middleton.

An insider claims this gathering was far more in tune with the kind of events Kate and William enjoy best. Being with their family–and especially their little Prince George–is far more important to them then going out to fancy places. Plus by staying home, the entire family avoids the annoyance of the paparazzi and the constant clicking of their cameras.

It will certainly be interesting to see as Kate Middleton and Prince William get older, and perhaps add even more children to their family, if their feelings about going out stay the same. Might the day eventually come when Kate gives in to the notion of having a nanny?

Regardless of that future decision, Kate received birthday wishes from all over the world. Being a member of the royal family definitely isn’t a bad way to spend one’s 32nd birthday.

Image via Wikimedia Commons