Speaking about the survey during the conversation, the Duchess said: "I think ultimately if you look at who’s caring and looking after and nurturing children in the most vital period from pregnancy all the way to the age of five, you know parents and carers are right at the heart of that, and families are right at the heart of that, and although I’ve spoken to the scientists and the service providers, it’s so important to listen to families. What is it that they aspire to? What are their challenges? What we’re doing with the survey is asking people – what is it that matters for them in raising their children today. It’s going to take a long time – I’m talking about a generational change – but hopefully this is the first small step: to start a conversation around the importance of Early Childhood development. It’s not just about happy, healthy children. This is for lifelong consequences and outcomes."
When asked what parts of her childhood she would want to give her own children, the Duchess recalled memories with her grandmother and spoke of the importance of quality relationships:
“If I take the experience from my own childhood, coupled with what I know now and what I’ve learnt from the experts in the Early Years sector, I think there’s a few things that really stand out for me.
"One is quality of relationships. So, those moments that you spend with people that are around you. I remember that from my own childhood. I had an amazing Granny who devoted a lot of time to us, playing with us, doing arts and crafts and going to the greenhouse to do gardening, and cooking with us, and I try and incorporate a lot of the experiences that she gave us at the time into the experiences that I give my children now.
"There are also the environments you spend time in as well: a happy home, a safe environment. As children, we spent a lot of time outside and it’s something I’m really passionate about. I think it’s so great for physical and mental wellbeing and laying [developmental] 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.”
Sunday Times No.1 bestselling author Giovanna Fletcher said: “It doesn’t matter who you are, what you have, or where you come from - we’re all trying to do our best with our children while continuously doubting our decisions and wondering if we’re getting it completely wrong. Talking helps unite us all. Having been with the Duchess of Cambridge on a couple of engagements to celebrate the launch of the 5 Big Questions survey, it was clear how passionate she is about the Early Years. It was then beyond wonderful to sit and talk further about the survey, her work – for which she has so much knowledge, and her own experiences of being a mother. This is a very special episode of the podcast and I’m very excited for people to hear it.” Giovanna is married to Tom Fletcher from the band McFly. They have three children Buzz, Max and Buddy. She often speaks very openly about her own family and experiences.
The popular podcast has seen Giovanna speak to a host of well-known faces including Kate Ferdinand, Jessie Ware, Katherine Jenkins, Caitlin Moran, Nadiya Hussain and Davina McCall about parenting. The podcast very much focuses on the importance of supporting each other and not only discussing the amazing moments but the challenging times every parent faces. One of the best aspects of this survey has been hearing Kate's voice more, it adds another layer to her early years work. Hearing directly from the royals in their own words is the most effective way to share messages on the causes closest to their hearts.
A quick refresher on Kate's look in the new image shared. The Duchess wore a petrol blue coat (it remains unidentified), Sézane Tulio Jumper, Accessorize earrings and Russell & Bromley Fab Dry boots during the visit to (LEFY) Stockwell Gardens Nursery and Pre-school in London.
Omid Scobie reports members of the press heard the content during a Kensington Palace briefing and said the Duchess was incredibly candid. "She spoke about parts of her own childhood and some of the things she would have taught herself if she knew what she knew now. I think what really stood out from this was just Kate speaking from the heart. She talks about how motherhood has been challenging and how her first pregnancy with Prince George was the toughest experience of her life. She said she was actually quite excited about giving birth, because it meant the end of that chapter." Kate also shared fun anecdotes about the the day she and William took George home and how William practiced putting a doll in the baby car seat in preparation for the Lindo Wing departure. The podcast will be live at 4 pm (GMT) tomorrow, when it's uploaded click here to listen to it. I'm very much looking forward to hearing it in its entirety.
UPDATE: To celebrate the launch of the podcast, Kate shared a new photo of Charlotte which she discussed with Giovanna.
“I’ve got this one photo of Charlotte smelling a bluebell, and really for me it’s moments like that mean so much to me as a parent. I try every day to put moments like that in, even if they’re small or even if I don’t have time” - The Duchess of Cambridge
With George and Charlotte on half term break for the coming week, I wouldn't expect we'll see Kate undertaking engagements. On Wednesday, 26 February, Kate, Patron of SportsAid, will visit the London Stadium at the Olympic Park in Stratford to join a SportsAid event dedicated to celebrating the role that parents and guardians play in their child’s sporting success.
Very interested to hear what all is said in this podcast. How lovely that this initiative is growing as it is.
ReplyDeletewas so great to hear the podcast. Kate doesn't talk that much so it is so nice to hear her perspective on things she just seems so lovely.
ReplyDeletethank you Charlotte for your continued hard work.
Oh how exciting!!! I’m so excited to hear this podcast. I love the work she is doing here and how determined she is to learn more and see what needs the most focus. I took part in the 5 BIG questions being offered. I have to admit, it surely makes you think about your own childhood development and If you had a child (for those that don’t have one yet) what would you want to focus on the most that could very well impact their childhoods all the way to adulthood. It’s amazing how even as adults, some things from our childhood effect us now. So what she is doing in starting a conversation/ awareness of those questions, makes you think a lot more.
ReplyDeleteTo me, I start to ask more than 5 questions and helps me analyze how I should go about things when raising a child or children. I love what she is doing here!
The podcast is excellently done; I highly recommend a listen. Thank you Charlotte for making it available.
ReplyDeleteI live in Arizona and it's 10:00 a.m., have just finished listening to the podcast. First impressions--how wonderful to hear two mums talking about pregnancy and the importance of early childhood. I am 68 years old, had my one child, a daughter, alone in England in 1979. I was supported in my decision to have my daughter, and to keep her, by my friends and by the healthcare professionals where I lived--working class neighborhood in Middlesex. These were the types of discussions I would have with some other new moms around the kitchen table, organized by our healthcare worker. I was lucky although in the end I had to go back to work full time and that was a whole other strain. Anyway, as I listened to the podcast all those memories came back as well as remembering what it's been like for my daughter who, happily married, has had four children, the oldest of whom is now 16, youngest 8. I remember how she would call me in the night, worried about this or that. It was a bonding experience for me, this mother/daughter relationship. I wish Kate had talked about her supports more, such as her mother, and I would have been curious to know how she hands off to Nanny Maria and how she feels about that. Probably just too much to talk about in a short time and maybe she felt that if she brought in the subject of a nanny, that was something that most women can't relate to. That would have been quite insightful of her.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed to think that this woman, married to an heir to the English throne, was talking so deeply and seriously about what it's like to be pregnant and the feelings that occur post birth. Not as a speech to the Women's Institute but as a mom. I think we finally, in this podcast, have met the "real" Kate and I think she is delightful.
Absolutely agree!! She is brilliant. William is so very lucky to have her!
DeleteMy goodness, I absolutely fell in love with her in this interview. So (relatively to her role ofc) open and candid, so unguarded, I thought. I just loved how she admitted to struggling, what she wished she’d known beforehand - but also, perhaps more importantly, how she celebrated motherhood. So charmed with her, wow. You Brits must be so grateful Prince William has her!
ReplyDeleteThat was my reaction too, Jen!
DeleteI think what the Duchess is doing with the survey is so wonderful. Anything that causes us to stop and think for even a few minutes is important and can impact, in a positive way, our behavior going forward.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this podcast for so many reasons. Learning more about her early years work is wonderful as you can see how deeply she has been involved in this area and the passion she feels for the subject. We also learned so much about her as a person and their family. She was so open and warm. What a special treat.
I just finished listening to the podcast I absolutely loves it. I especially loved hearing about her pregnancy and birth experience and how she felt when she brought George home. I also liked when she talked about the importance of being outdoors. I am not married and I don’t have children but I hope to some day. And when that day comes I want to take Inspiration from Kate’s parenting style. I also hope to have a husband like prince William some day:)
ReplyDeleteI loved it! As a pregnant FTM it was awesome to listen to. Kate is amazing, always has been and I truly look forward to her very bright future. We need to focus on the good work the good people of the Monarchy are doing!
ReplyDeleteI read that as Female To Male at first, but I think you meant First Time Mother! I feel very modern now.
DeleteHi Jen, yes it’s First Time Mother :)
DeleteJen same! Although I corrected in my head to “full time mom. So, Lauren, what does FTM stand for to you? And congrats on the pregnancy!
DeleteThere may be those who do not have access to submit comments but I hope enough is said by survey takers about the basic problem of food poverty and insecurity. It's hard to go to school hungry, it's hard and depressing to see your mother not eat so you can. The very basics are missing for millions and millions of children and should be addressed so the families can then move on to life enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteAnon, I was just thinking about that. It’s heartbreaking that so many out there go without so that their children can have something to eat. I hope some real tangible & positive outcomes can come from this survey, even though it’s just a small step, as Kate mentioned. Food poverty plays a huge part in the health & happiness of children in their early years.
DeleteKiwi Girl, I just read that nearly 20% of UK children are food insecure -- in order to develop further, children and parents must be "safe," and that means having safety in the basics -- food and shelter. With that can come mental health safety.
DeleteAny word on her ankle boots? Maybe I missed who made them, but they are super cute and look comfy too.
ReplyDeleteHello Anon 18:40, Charlotte identified them a few blogs back as Fab Dry by Aquatalia that seem to be exclusive to Russell and Bromley. Here is also a link from Kate's Closet: https://www.katescloset.com.au/aquatalia-fab-dry-ankle-boot.html Sadly I have been trying to find them, but no such luck. Kate always seems to get the best boots and Aquatalia is a great brand, somewhat pricey, but very comfortable. The closest I could find is the Fallon Dry that is a similar boot (but not the same :() on the Russell and Bromley site. Hope this helps and that you have better luck. cc
DeleteThere is so much to comment on. Let’s start by saying podcast is made for Kate. She sounds so much more relaxed without cameras on her and people around her. This is the Kate the people who knows her and gets to meet her see and hear. I am hoping that it is a medium that she will use again in the future.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, it is so nice to hear from Kate herself. We always hear about Kate and people’s impressions of Kate, but seldom from Kate herself.
Having said that I think she was brilliant with being open and candid without sharing too much. When you listen to the podcast it feels like she really let people in behind the scenes, but if you think about it, she didn’t actually share much that wasn’t already public knowledge or at least hinted at. The only difference is she shared it from her experience and point of view. She managed to talk about her experiences if motherhood, without saying much about the children themselves, at least not anything they would be embarrassed about in ten years.
It was a masterclass in being open without invading your own (and the children’s) privacy.
The podcast is amazing. Very candid interview. You can hear her passion for the subject and her knowledge. She does come across as quite charming and sincere as well. She sounds like a very lovely person that it would be fun to talk to. Really well done.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. After listening I wanted her as a friend! Makes me think the rumours that she ”has no female friends” because she’s ”cold and calculating” are absolute nonsense. I didn’t believe them when I heard them, but I have a hard time imagining anyone believing them after listening to this interview. She’s just lovely, and you can tell she’s probably a lot of fun hanging out with inprivate.
DeleteAre there rumors that she has no female friends?? She has had the same friends forever, we all know who they are. That says a lot about all of them btw, friends for more than 20 years and no leaks, scandals or benefitting from their friendship.
DeleteI think we just don't see Kate's personal interactions with her friends. One thing we have not seen is Kate with her sister or brother, and I'm sure she spends a lot of time with them. She must be very close to her nephew, because Pippa was very involved with Kate's children. It's just her personal side that we see nothing about, yet I'm sure it's there. And that is her right, of course! None of our business. Allison in US
DeleteOmg....I am amazed with her. Podcast is wonderful. I, as a parent who relates well with all being said, went to my husband right when I finished listening to podcast and started talking with him about all the things we van do to be even bettet parents, about all our highs and lows etc etc... and then I realized that that conversation we just had - that was the purpose of Duchess's work... her work in action. in my own family. in such a positive way. so inspiring! you Britain are one very lucky nation to have her!!! in this crazy world..... God bless her :)))
ReplyDeleteSo proud of Kate! She is so warm and well-spoken in this interview. She’s doing such a great job in the RF!
ReplyDeleteBeth in SF
Thanks for sharing the link to the podcast, Charlotte. I really enjoyed listening to it & getting more insight into how Kate became interested in early years development. George, Charlotte & Louis are lucky to have such a caring, thoughtful mother & I hope she’s also a good role model to them by showing compassion to others with her work in addiction & mental health. I’m really pleased with how she’s developed in her role & she’s a great asset to the BRF. She also seems to be a genuinely kind person & a great listener, which are important qualities to have when she becomes Princess of Wales & future Queen. William must be so proud.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful interview. I was very impressed.
ReplyDeleteI just loved every second of this podcast and never wanted it to end! It feels like such a treat and as if we’re finally getting to know the real Kate. So many years filled with her beautiful presence but so little of her voice, but this makes up for the long wait!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine she is much more comfortable speaking without a camera on her (I would be exactly the same), and it helped her feel at ease to be “only” voice recorded.
This truly made my day!
Lotta
Loved this so much! This is so important. I wonder what the research is about the early days in pregnancy - ways that a new mom can take care of her mental well-being that affects the growing baby. As someone who's not a mother but someday will be, especially curious. Seems we'll certainly hear and see more from Kate as time goes on. And it sounds like the survey is going really well too!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte you do a wonderful job. I have to admit when I first started following it was all about the clothes. I wanted Kate to be Princess Diana. Have the jewels, the glamour and the style which was so 80s. But, she is her own person which is wonderful. She has grown so much over the years under the pressure of the public eye. And in the last few years all of the hard work has really unfolded into something else. Her initiatives are really moving. Now I find I read your blog to hear about what she's doing and really could care less what she wears (except for the skinny jeans--wear them at home--not in public). Thanks for all of your hard work. It brings great light to her causes. Kate is really an inspiration to me and I can't wait to see how hear work continues to unfold.
ReplyDeleteOh Anon 02:53, how beautifully said & I totally agree (minus the skinny jeans/I'm a fan! lol ) I loved that she shared a about the whole bit around having George & being aware of the public outside & the reality of coming out onto the steps of the Lindo Wing. She was so gracious! You could really feel that she & William came from a place of appreciating the love & excitement the public felt from them & that they wanted to give a bit back to the public, to show that appreciation. Not an ounce of resentment came through about that process. She is amazing at how she balances her royal role without resentment. She is setting such a wonderful foundation for George, Charlotte & Louis, in how they will view & approach their family role, jobs & the public. Bravo Kate! She's one pretty amazing woman.... & all without fanfare & calling attention to herself... you can really tell it's all about a the work & the desire to make a difference..... the 'ol "leave the world better than you found it".
DeleteThank you Charlotte for educating & informing us over all these years on so many things!
Becca USA
Becca, I think the time Kate and William had before they had to be full-time royals was very lucky for them. She was called "waity," but that never made much sense to me because she was living with William, not waiting for a weekend date. And as she said, this is her job. I'm sure she thought about it when she first met William and thought about it a lot more, including talks with her family. William has always been very protective, and even Harry was for his sister-in-law. I don't think any of the royals are resentful, or at least they don't let it show! I guess I would be resentful if I had no choice, but the family seems to have been very caring about Kate and ensuring she did not experience the isolation that Diana felt, which unfortunately was in part because Diana lacked the family and friends that Kate has. Allison in US
DeleteAllison, I too am so happy for their ability to play the long game. It showed great vision from The Queen & as a couple, they did a great job (probably not always easy) ignoring all the nay-sayers & just focusing on the precious time they had to lay a strong foundation for their marriage & their family. :)
DeleteBecca USA
Great podcast! I really enjoyed listening to what Kate had to share. At first, she seemed nervous, her voice was trembling slightly, but later on, she became comfortable and just talked about her experiences, her views... I'm SO glad she's been doing this - and the way she's been doing it, through explaining how much small simple steps matter, is very encouraging for many, I believe. Everyone can take different things from it but for me, the message is: nobody is perfect; making mistakes is natural, you can learn from them (this is NOT commonly heard nowadays when we all are under a lot of pressure to be perfect+super efficient); with support from your family and community, things will get better as you learn (as new parents); building relationships is really important; children appreciate and remember moments when then feel safe and loved.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the post and the link, Charlotte!
Agree with everything!
DeleteNicely said Zora! The message 'nobody is perfect, making mistakes is natural', is especially important in these days when expectations are high and everybody has an opinion on how you should do something. It was nice to have a little insight into her life and see a bit of the real Kate with some of the same fears. It is clear relationships are important to Kate, and she has aligned her priorities with her biggest role, being that of mother. Ironically, something she was criticized for in the beginning has been the foundation of her initiative. It seems Kate has released a lovely picture of Charlotte smelling a bluebell that says it all about your last statement 'children appreciate and remember moments when they feel safe and loved.' Kate continues to inspire and amaze me! cc
DeleteThank you, CeCe 🙂When I saw the added picture I though: this is everything! 🌸
DeleteYou are right - Kate was often criticised for making the mother's role her priority but she actually found her true passion through it and has been building on it, growing stronger and more comfortable along the way. Many of us here have noted how she has been visibly "herself" since the birth of Louis. I believe she will be able to help a lot of other mothers/parents in her kind and modest way.
Just enjoyed listening to Kate’s podcast It struck me how natural the conversation was Kate was speaking with passion and her personal experiences It was special to hear Kate as this is a rare glimpse into her thoughts and feelings we don’t normally hear. Well done Kate on being so open and sharing that’s it’s ok to not be so hard on yourself you don’t have to do everything yourself seek support xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loved it. What an amazing lady. Catherine will do so many wonderful things in her role as Duchess. She is awesome. 😘💕
ReplyDeleteI loved it too! I think she was more relaxed because it was not filmed. She was very relatable, and at the end of the day we are all similar ... even members of the BRF.
ReplyDeleteHope from USA
Somethings else I only noticed afterwards, is how Kate would refer to the “work” she does and “my job” and not “somebody in my position”.
ReplyDeleteIt is a subtle but I think very important distinction and I think it can be linked to the more comfortable Kate we have seen in recent years. She is Kate, being a princess of the United Kingdom is her job, but it doesn’t define who she is.
And talking about subtleties, I love the pragmatic way she spoke about using hypnobirthing techniques, not as this “I always knew I wanted to go all natural” or “hyono-birthing is the way to go”. But rather as something she came across when struggling with HG and thought, this is something that might work for me.
RachelZA, I absolutely love the bits you zeroed in on. So subtle, yet such a telling distinction. I also think it's yet another indication that when she does things for "work" or makes a difference.... it's all about the "cause" or the "organization"..... not her support of them, because that's what she does as part of her job & she has indicated that she feels happy to be able to follow up on causes & concerns long term. But again.... not because she's such an amazing person.... but because of the nature of her job. It's just simply not about her & if you notice, she kindly accepts compliments but quickly swings it around to the person or cause at hand by saying (paraphrasing here) "Thank you, but look at all you've done here on the front lines". (a type of response I feel like I've heard her make over the years.) xx
DeleteBecca USA
I agree Becca, and I think her humility is very endearing.
DeleteSimply could not love her more. This podcast really allows us to hear Kate’s voice and reinforces what we have always known...she is the real deal.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh... Just listened to the podcast & It Was Wonderful!!!! It was funny, because I'm in the states & have to stay in daily contact with my colleagues in the UK. As I listened to Kate, through my earpods (as I do when talking with my UK friends & colleagues) it was jarring because she sounds Exactly like one of my friends!! lol lol lol I had to remind myself it wasn't her & that it was Kate! :) However, because of that I think, it made it even more fascinating listening to her & all that she said. It was brilliant! Absolutely Brilliant! :) Well Done Kate & I can only imagine the impact all of her work will have & the impact this initiative will make through the upcoming decades & generations! xx
ReplyDeleteBecca USA
Great job; the Duchess of Cambridge has everyone talking and using technology to get it done.
ReplyDeleteThis was Kate at her best as far as speaking in public goes. She was so comfortable, confident, and not afraid of saying she wasn't perfect as a mom. I think this will be so encouraging to all moms that hear this. To know that even the Duchess of Cambridge didn't always get it right will let all moms sigh and say, "Maybe I'm not such a bad mom afterall." I felt like I could talk with her about parenting, so she seemed very approachable in this venue. This is the closest glimpse I've seen of the "real" Kate. It fits the image I've built up in my mind of her. Especially, the last comment about being happiest in the country with her family and all of them dirty. I've gotten this impression from her Vogue layout, her Birthday pictures, and the pictures she takes of her children that she shares with us. This comment is just one more confirmation. Though we love her all dressed up and she can look so very elegant, this is not the real Kate!
ReplyDeleteIntrigued, I agree that what Kate likes best is being in the country and not all dressed up! I think the Queen prefers that, too, don't you, with her cookouts and country clothes and corgis? The snippets we see of the Queen or W&K or H&M on their off time are always when they look and dress like the rest of us! Like Kate says, her "job" -- and that is when we see them at events, etc. I bet getting dressed up can get really old -- I'm sure Kate would rather watch a movie in sweats than an evening gown! Allison in US
DeleteAllison, You are right about the queen being the same way. Sometimes, I think we always prefer the opposite of what we have! I think a balance of both is best. I feel that I have been cheated out of a chance to dress up nice several times and that is disappointing to me, but there are many nights I am happy to snuggle up in front of a fire with my sweats on. It is at those times that it would be a pain to be somewhat "forced" to get dressed up and go out. I don't know if it's completely by choice, but I notice that we have formal wear pics of most of the other royals (Princess Mary, Princess Victoria and then the recent Queens: Letizia, Maxima, and Mathilde), but none of Kate. I am sure the time will come when we see those official, dressed up pictures of Kate. Maybe they will come when she becomes Princess of Wales. Diana had quite a few of those types of pictures. I think Kate could have had those, but has chosen not to go that direction. That is fine. That is her being true to herself as much as she can. I still will enjoy the dress up pictures when they come.
DeleteThat’s a really great point, there aren’t those formal portraits of Kate that we are used to from other royals. Maybe when she hits a big milestone such as turning 40 or becoming PoW there will be that reason for it. I don’t think there’s been anything like that since the wedding pics
DeleteI have just finished listening to the podcast. Lovely! All those years I always thought Kate seemed nice, and she truly is! Absolutely charming. Sweet, unassuming, careful of others... I could go on and on. I even thought she was a better listener than her host!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful conversation. So much insight, and you come away feeling as though you “know” Kate, if evening just a bit.
ReplyDeleteI just finished the podcast...loved it! Enjoyed all the stories and hearing about Kate’s pregnancies, struggles and joys. Well done! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
ReplyDeleteI listened and I felt real kinship when she said after hyperemesis she was practically looking forward to labor. I also had hyperemesis but uncomplicated deliveries and I’d say I’d rather give birth every day for a week if I could skip pregnancy entirely. And the feeling of being lost when you come home with a new baby.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a chance to listen yet but, thank you Charlotte . I have tried to comment here more than once and didn't understand why my comments were never published... apparently you should always read the fine print 🙈 Now, you'll never shut me up!
ReplyDeletePs. Charlotte , I have been following (stalking) your blog for about 8 yrs or so. Thank you for continuing to be here xxx
I'm so sorry to see and hear the dreadful news from the UK. I think of all the British readers of DKB and hope you and your families are safe...
ReplyDeleteOther parts of the world have far more serious natural weather difficulties to contend with.
DeletePerhaps I should make it clear that I am writing from Scotland.
DeleteI saw pictures of really bad flooding in Wales&elsewhere, people being evacuated, houses under water. I hope it's getting better now.
DeleteWhat dreadful news?
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, if any of the nonworking royals, like the York sisters, were asked to do some "work," would this be announced, do you think, or just happen? I saw Beatrice in Pakistan and it looked rather work-like other than the skiing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe palace is not big on announcing/confirming when people step up or down. They never even announced when W&K became fulltime royals - though I think Kate is still considered a fulltime mom who does royal work.
DeleteHaving said that Bea’s trip to Pakistan was as part of her dayjob as VP of something for some company and not RF related at all.
RachelZA, got it! I can't really imagine Charles wanting to fund the York girls, so it seemed a little surprising when I saw the trip.
DeleteCan I share a quote from Camilla Tominey that so well expresses what I feel?”People often say they like Kate - but can’t quite work out why. This 34-minute recording gave them the answer.”
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Natacha. It's true, there is something about Kate that can't necessarily be articulated, it's just someting that is felt. Hearing her honest expressions only further validates those feelings. cc
DeleteI completely agree. There's just something lovely about her, even beyond her beauty, her intelligence, and her excellent manners.
DeleteReally appreciated the podcast. Learned a lot from it.
ReplyDeleteI do think this podcast is just another sign that they are not planning on Cambridge 4.0. Knowing that pregnancy and birth is behind her probably allowed her to be much more open about her own experiences. I just can’t see her being this candid knowing that the podcast will be disected to the smallest detail, should she be pregnant again.
ReplyDeleteThey could of course just go on and prove me wrong.
Yes, interesting thought.....
DeleteI thought the podcast was excellent. Kate was so natural, candid, and so very relatable. I think Kate having a conversation here has been her most effective form of communication and shows everyone how chatty and communicative she can be. The work that Kate is involved in will have a good effect on the next generation, and contribute to the well-being of the nation.
ReplyDeleteI finally was able to listen to this podcast, and I got something I've wished for for a long time now! The Duchess of Cambridge has publicly talked about her struggles with hyperemesis! I've had HG with both of my pregnancies now, and it's awful. While I'm sad the DoC also suffered with it, I've hoped that she would be able to bring more awareness to this condition at some point, since she has such a large reach with her status. This is a great first start. If anyone on her team is reading this, perhaps she could add the Pregnancy Sickness Support charity to her patronages, or at least to the groups she highlights with her early years/5 Big Questions campaign. Pregnancy Sickness Support is the UK charity to support women with HG and NVP. (I'm in the US, so I've personally looked to the HER Foundation for support, but I know many UK moms with HG appreciate PSS.) As an earlier commenter here wrote, I also understood what Kate said when she talked about being excited for labor, because it meant there was an end in sight for her HG and rough pregnancy. That's how I felt too! Yes, labor is painful, but with my oldest it was only 13 hours and uncomplicated, and with my youngest, 3 hours and uncomplicated. I'll take that any day over 34 weeks of not being able to keep any food or water down, being in the hospital and on home health care, being on many medicines, etc. That's the main reason there's 6 1/2 years in between my two children--the horrible HG pregnancies. So happy Kate was able to share a little bit about her experiences with this.
ReplyDeleteDo people think that Kate saw the questions in advance? I am truly amazed at her interview!
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely extraordinary, I’m so impressed by Kate! She seems so lovely, someone you would want as your friend.
ReplyDeleteI love that, in the 5 Big Questions initiative, the Duchess is seeking the input of parents and carers rather than "experts" in child development. I know she has spoken with and learned of the work of many experts, but in every area it is crucial to learn from those who are doing the work; in this case, family and caregivers. Very impressed.
ReplyDelete