Kate Middleton is continuing to navigate a careful balance between her royal responsibilities, her role as a mother, and her ongoing recovery from cancer, according to royal expert Jennie Bond.
Speaking to The Mirror, Bond explained that the ages of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis play a major role in shaping which public events the Princess of Wales feels able to attend. Despite her high-profile position, Kate is believed to experience the same “mum guilt” that many working parents face.
Bond noted that while the Princess manages a demanding schedule, she has been able to prioritize family time by arranging engagements around school holidays and being present for daily school drop-offs and pick-ups.
“All working mums suffer mum guilt to a greater or lesser degree, and I’m sure Catherine is no exception,” Bond said. “But she is fortunate enough to be able to more or less ring-fence school holidays and to arrange her schedule so she can do many of the daily school runs.”
The royal expert added that some may see this flexibility as a privilege, but she believes Kate deserves recognition for putting her children first—especially while focusing on her well-being after a significant health challenge.
“People might complain that she’s especially privileged to be able to do that, but most people know they will be able to retire one day,” she said. “That is not the case for Catherine. I admire her for prioritising her children in these early years, and for protecting her own health after such a serious cancer diagnosis.”
Kate’s approach continues to earn public support, as the Princess balances family life with her gradual return to royal duties.