It’s not often that we get a hint of what life is like for the young blue-bloods behind the gates of Kensington Palace but now the Duchess of Cambridge has given a rare insight to royal parenting with a slip of the tongue.
During a visit to the Basildon Sporting Village, just outside of London on Tuesday October 30th with Prince William, Duchess Catherine made a comment to a royal fan which made hearts melt.
That’s one mighty royal hug! (Image: Getty Images)
Visiting the sports centre as part of the Royal Foundation’s Coach Core programme, the Duchess couldn’t resist a warm embrace with one of the participants, Janet Emery.
While protocol means the Royals usually steer clear of public displays of affection or the taking of selfies with fans (a royal standard which Meghan Markle and Prince Harry blew out of the water in spectacular fashion as they hugged their way around Australia and the South Pacific on their Royal Tour recently), Duchess Catherine hugged the delighted fan back with a beaming smile on her face.
And it was then that she made an unguarded comment about her style of parenting which had royal fans and parenting experts cheering.
“Hugs are very important. That’s what I tell my children,” said the mum-of-three.
Showing love and affection to her children is something the 36-year-old royal obviously holds dear to her heart judging by other comments the Duchess has made about being a mum.
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In an open letter the Duchess shared as part of Children’s Hospice Week in the UK recently, she wrote about the oh-so special moments she enjoys with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and baby Prince Louis.
“Spending quality time together is such an important aspect of family life and for me, as a mother, it is the simple family moments like playing outside together that I cherish,” she wrote.
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The Duchess roared with laughter during the royal visit to Basildon Sporting Village. (Image: Getty Images)
And, on a school visit in 2017, Duchess Catherine spoke about the lessons she and Prince William hoped to instil in their children.
“My parents taught me about the importance of qualities like kindness, respect, and honesty, and I realise how central values like these have been to me throughout my life,” she said.
“That is why William and I want to teach our little children … just how important these things are as they grow up.
Cuddles with Mummy at the polo. (Image: Getty Images)
“In my view, it is just as important as excelling at maths or sport.”
Just how much the Duchess loves to shower her children with love is evident by the frequent shots of the family off-duty, such as when they were pictured watching Daddy play polo in June last year.
Princess Charlotte cuddled up to her Mummy with her brother, Prince George in the most adorable snaps.
Because no matter what your status in life, sometimes all you need is Mummy’s lap. (Image: Getty Images)
The touching comment came as Duchess Catherine and Prince William donned gear that could only be described as the closest thing to activewear for a royal, with Kate wearing a turtleneck black jumper and black skinny jeans paired with a checked blazer as she joined in fun sporting activities with people from an organisation with a positive cause.
The event was held with the Coach Core Essex program, which teaches sport coaching to young unemployed people to help them build their careers.
Wills made like Kate and wore a casual blue jumper and chinos as he also took to the court, joining children playing tennis, foam arrow throwing and other athletic activities.
The royal pair have been open about their desire to bring up their children in as normal an environment as possible, complete with lots of love and affection. (Image: Getty Images)
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