Duchess of Cambridge Struggles with Extended Separation from Her Kids
Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, may always appear polished and composed during her royal engagements, but according to royal experts, she faces a deeper emotional challenge when separated from her children—something she finds particularly difficult during royal tours.
As a devoted mother to her three children—Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6—Catherine’s hands-on approach to parenting makes these separations emotionally taxing. Royal author Katie Nicholl, who has observed the Prince and Princess of Wales on several tours, noted that while Catherine excels in her role, the long stretches away from her children take a toll on her.
This ongoing challenge dates back to as early as 2016 when Catherine candidly shared her difficulty being away from George and Charlotte during her visit to Bhutan with Prince William. Despite access to resources such as nannies, Catherine’s mother was caring for the children, a detail that showcased the Duchess’s relatable parenting style.
To help manage these separations, Catherine and William have reportedly developed a strategy where one of them stays home with the children while the other travels for royal duties. However, for certain engagements requiring both parents, they rely on trusted family and caregivers.
As royal commentator Nicholl explained, "Catherine wants to be modern, she wants to be hands-on, and she wants to be present." Despite the privileges that come with royal life, Catherine’s deep attachment to her children makes time away from them particularly challenging.
