With three young kids and a full-time job as a working royal, it can be hard for the Duchess of Cambridge to strike the right balance sometimes—as it is for anyone with a busy schedule, whether they're a parent or not.
Appearing on Giovanna Fletcher's podcast Happy Mum, Happy Baby in 2020, Kate Middleton admitted that she totally does feel what the host called "mum guilt" sometimes.
"Yes, absolutely—and anyone who doesn't as a mother is actually lying," the duchess said (via the Mirror). "Yep, all the time. Even this morning, coming to the nursery visit here—George and Charlotte were like, 'Mummy, how could you possibly not be dropping us off as school this morning?'"
She elaborated, "It's a constant challenge—you hear it time after time from mums, even mums who aren't necessarily working and aren't pulled in the directions of having to juggle work life and family life."
The duchess also explained that she deals with exactly the same dilemmas as any other parent does when she has to make a grown-up decision and doesn't know if it's the right one. "[You're] always sort of questioning your own decisions and your own judgements and things like that, and I think that starts from the moment you have a baby," she told Fletcher.
Middleton then went on to share what a blessing it has been for her kids to be well surrounded both by close family members and, yes, by royal nannies. "The more people you have around your children who are safe and loving and caring, the better," she said.
"So yeah—it was a real weight off my shoulders that actually it's not totally my responsibility to do everything, because you know we all have good days, bad days—and you can dilute that with others who aren't on that particular day struggling.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"I think it makes such a difference for your child, keeping them as constant and happy as possible." It takes a village, etc., etc.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
21 Spring Essentials in Madewell, Banana Republic, and Shopbop's Flash Sales
Don’t let these can’t-miss sales pass you by.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
'Shōgun' Is a Masterpiece—Will There Be More Episodes?
With those ratings, never say never.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
32 Child Stars Who Have Aged Like Fine Wine
They made the notoriously bumpy transition to adulthood look easy.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
How the World Is Reacting to Kate Middleton's Health News
World leaders and celebrities alike rushed to offer their sympathies to the princess and her family.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Kate Middleton Carefully Chose the Day She Would Reveal Her Cancer Diagnosis
Friday is an important milestone for Kate and William's children.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published