For any parent, leaving their kids at home is difficult. Kate Middleton may be a duchess, but she's also a mom—and she's not immune to this experience.
As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge settle back into their U.K. lives after their eight-day Caribbean tour, royal author Katie Nicholl recalled how difficult Middleton has found traveling without her kids in the past.
"I remember being with her when we were on a tour together in Bhutan [in 2016, when Princess Charlotte was just 11 months old] and we had a moment to talk about how difficult it was to leave little children behind," Nicholl told Closer.
"Despite being the Duchess of Cambridge and being able to afford around-the-clock nannies and so on, she had her mum looking after Prince George and Princess Charlotte, which struck me as just really normal.
"I could see how much comfort and confidence that gave her in getting on with her job, which she does brilliantly, but I think it is always such a wrench for her to leave her children behind."
Speaking to author and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher in 2020, the duchess had already admitted to feeling "mum guilt" when she has to leave George, Charlotte and Louis.
"Yep, all the time," she said. "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?'"
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.
Unfortunately, Middleton will need to travel more and more in the future as her role in the Royal Family evolves. Hopefully, it will become a bit easier for her with time as the children grow up.
"William and Kate are being groomed right now," former royal butler Paul Burrell told Closer. "They are serving their apprenticeship (to become future King and Queen) in the Caribbean—in the same way the Queen once did herself, because she is getting older and it’s inevitable what will happen.
"The Queen will be very proud of them and their duties will be more as time goes on. It’s sad for them because they have a young family and I’m sure they are going to see less and less of them."
Said Caribbean tour might have been the Cambridges' most challenging yet, since they were met with protests from the nations they visited—Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas.
There have been reports that Prince William intends to plan more shorter trips in the future, so hopefully he and his wife won't be away from their children for huge chunks of time.
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
-
Prince Louis Turns 6—See the Adorable New Photo
Princess Kate was behind the lens.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis “Are Following Some New Rules” at Home to Help Make Life Easier for Princess Kate
As their mother receives treatment for cancer, the Wales trio is reportedly pitching in and taking on some extra chores around the house.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Makes Moving Promise About Princess Kate at His First Public Appearance Since She Revealed She Has Cancer
He also revealed his youngest child Prince Louis’ favorite sport while at the engagement.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
As He Prepares to Return to Royal Duty Tomorrow After Nearly A Month Away, Prince William Is Struggling with “Immense” Pressure, Reports Say
“There’s a lot at stake, and he does need support.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Single-Handedly Planned His and Kate Middleton’s Romantic Honeymoon
Kate had no idea where they were headed on their two week luxurious break from reality until after their 2011 wedding.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle Thinks Prince Harry Is "Making a Big Mistake" in Wanting to Reach Out to William, Kate: Source
She's worried he'll get hurt again.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William and Prince George Enjoy Boys' Night Out at Soccer Game
They cheered on their team.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Steps Out at a Pub in Norfolk with Someone We, Quite Frankly, Weren’t Expecting
The Prince of Wales and his family remain in Norfolk at their country home, Anmer Hall, while the kids are on Easter break from school.
By Rachel Burchfield Published