Kate Middleton Says She's Happiest When She's Outdoors With Her Children
In an exceedingly rare and candid interview released over the weekend, the Duchess of Cambridge opened up about the day-to-day realities of raising her three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, and how she prioritizes spending time outdoors with the family.
The interview took place on Giovanna Fletcher's podcast Happy Mum, Happy Baby, and followed the release of Kate's recent UK survey about childhood development, "5 Big Questions on the Under Fives". During the intimate and wide-ranging conversation, Kate discussed her own experience of growing up in the countryside of Berkshire, England.
"As children, we spent a lot of time outside, and it’s something I’m really passionate about," Kate said. "I think it’s so great for physical and mental wellbeing and laying foundations. It’s such a great environment to spend time in, building those quality relationships without the distractions of 'I've got to cook' and 'I've got to do this.' And actually, it’s so simple."
She continued, “That’s what I would want them to remember, those moments with me as a mother, but also the family going to the beach, getting soaking wet, filling our boots full of water, those are what I would want them to remember. Not a stressful household where you’re trying to do everything and not really succeeding at one thing.”
Towards the end of the episode, Fletcher prompted Kate to complete the sentence "I'm happy when...", and Kate replied, "I’m with my family outside in the countryside and we’re all filthy dirty.”
Kate also recalled being asked recently what she would want her children to remember most about their childhood. "I thought that was a really good question," she noted, "because actually if you really think about that, is it that I’m sitting down trying to do their maths and spelling homework over the weekend?”
A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Feb 15, 2020 at 2:30pm PST
“Or is it the fact that we’ve gone out and lit a bonfire and sat around trying to cook sausages that hasn’t worked because it’s too wet? I remember that from my childhood – doing the simple things, going for a walk together, and that’s really what I try and do with my children as well because it totally strips away all the complications, all the pressures."
Shortly after the interview was released, Kate shared a touching photograph of Charlotte smelling a bluebell during a recent countryside walk.
Will and Kate are reportedly taking this week off from their royal duties, to take advantage of Prince George and Princess Charlotte's half term break–so with any luck, they'll be able to spend plenty of quality time in the great outdoors.
You Might Also Like
