Kate Middleton's heart-to-heart with the Queen as she 'confided' over tough time for her and William

Kate Middleton's heart-to-heart with the Queen came after a life-changing moment for her and Prince William...

Kate Middleton's heart-to-heart with the Queen came after becoming a parent, seen here talking during a visit to Vernon Park
(Image credit: Photo by Danny Martindale/FilmMagic via Getty)

Kate Middleton reportedly had a heart-to-heart with the Queen and “confided” during a tough time for her and Prince William.  


Balancing work and life commitments isn’t easy for anyone and it seems Kate Middleton once opened up to none other than Her Majesty about the challenges this posed at one particularly significant time. With Prince William second in the royal line of succession and one of the Queen’s grandchildren and Kate a future Queen Consort, it’s perhaps no surprise that their schedules are packed full of important projects and engagements. But despite their many work commitments, the Cambridges are determined to be involved parents. 

During lockdown, Kate Middleton home-schooled their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Anmer Hall. Though things were apparently tough for the couple in the early days. So much so that Kate reportedly had a heart-to-heart with her royal grandmother-in-law…

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Queen Elizabeth II visit Leicester City

(Image credit: Photo by Alex Moss/FilmMagic via Getty)

According to The Mirror, royal expert Katie Nicholl opened up to True Royalty documentary Kate Middleton: Heir We Go Again about how challenging it was for Prince William and Kate.

"Kate was having a conversation with the Queen in which she confided that she had found being with George on her own, and not having a full-time nanny or a maternity nurse, very hard,” the expert claimed. 

She then went on to explain that, "William and Kate wanted to be hands-on parents, and they did it until September and then they recruited a nanny."

As a devoted monarch and mother-of-four, the Queen likely understood the couple’s predicament and could sympathize with Kate’s candid admission. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge later hired Maria Borrallo to help look after their children. 

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge, Queen Elizabeth II and Royal nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo leave the Church of St Mary Magdalene

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

She accompanied them on their first royal tour with Prince George and the Norland College-trained nanny has remained with them ever since, now looking after the three children. Though Katie also expressed her belief that Kate’s mum Carole Middleton remains a firm fixture in their lives and helps with child-care. 

"One of the things that allows William and Kate to be so ordinary is the presence of the Middletons in their lives,” she said. 

"Carole is a regular through those golden gates at Kensington Palace, she whizzes through in her Land Rover. There is no security because everybody knows her. She turns up to help with bedtime and bathtime. She is absolutely indispensable.”

Carole Middleton and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend day 1 of Royal Ascot

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

It’s thought that Carole’s eye for "perfection" helped prepare Kate for her royal role and she’s understood to be close to her grandchildren. Despite Carole and Maria’s help, however, Kate has previously opened up about Mum Guilt as she showed support for Giovanna Fletcher.

Asked about mum guilt on Giovanna’s podcast, Kate described it as “constant challenge” and admitted she has it, adding, “anyone who doesn't as a mother is actually lying!”

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!