Kate Middleton has grown into one of the most cherished members of the British Royal Family. As the Princess of Wales, her royal duties are extensive, yet she’s also a dedicated mother to her three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Alongside her husband, Prince William, Kate strives to give her children a grounded upbringing, balancing royal responsibilities with a sense of normalcy.

Kate’s journey into motherhood wasn’t without its difficulties. During each of her pregnancies, she endured severe morning sickness, a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum. She first experienced it while carrying Prince George, a period she later described as “rotten,” and again with Princess Charlotte. Despite the intense challenges, Kate remained resilient, and her experience is a testament to her strength as both a royal and a mother.

In December 2012, the world rejoiced with the news that Prince William and Kate were expecting their first child. The announcement brought excitement across the UK and beyond, and in July 2013, they welcomed Prince George, the future king. However, the joy was accompanied by immense pressure. Just hours after his birth, George made his public debut on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital, London. The moment was filled with excitement, but for Kate, it was “terrifying.” Reflecting on that day, she shared with podcast host Giovanna Fletcher that stepping out into the crowd with her newborn was overwhelming, despite her appreciation for the public’s support.

On Fletcher’s Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast, Kate discussed her mixed emotions, revealing the internal battle between her duty to share this special moment with the public and her private fears as a new mother. “Yeah, slightly terrifying, I’m not going to lie,” Kate admitted. Like her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, Kate chose to stand on the hospital steps with her baby, acknowledging both the public’s interest and the tradition surrounding the royal family. “I like to compartmentalize,” she said, describing how she managed the overwhelming emotions of that day.

After Prince George’s birth, Kate and William navigated the early days of parenting. Despite their royal status, the Princess of Wales experienced the same uncertainties many new parents face. “It was a mix of feelings,” she shared, noting that both she and William were new parents with little idea of what to expect. A combination of excitement and trepidation marked the beginning of their journey into parenthood.

Kate’s struggles with hyperemesis gravidarum became public knowledge during her pregnancy with George and continued with Charlotte and Louis. The condition, which involves extreme nausea and vomiting, often requires hospitalization and makes pregnancy especially challenging. During her first pregnancy, Kate had to be admitted to the hospital, an experience she described as “rotten” and which led her to dread future pregnancies. Her battle with the condition made her deeply empathize with other women facing similar hardships.

In 2014, as she carried Princess Charlotte, the condition once again impacted her royal duties, leading her to cancel appearances and official visits. Despite the challenges, Kate maintained a sense of gratitude and resilience, eventually welcoming Charlotte into the world in May 2015. Like with George, Kate and William proudly introduced Charlotte outside the Lindo Wing, continuing the royal tradition.

As the couple considered expanding their family, they faced skepticism and advice against having a third child. Despite the counsel, they felt strongly about welcoming another child, and in September 2017, they announced Kate’s pregnancy with Prince Louis. Prince Louis arrived on April 23, 2018, weighing 8 pounds, 7 ounces. Just like his older siblings, he was introduced to the world shortly after his birth.

When asked about her feelings on childbirth, Kate admitted to Fletcher that, despite the difficult pregnancies, she found labor itself a relief. “I quite liked labor,” she said, explaining that it provided an end to the relentless sickness she had endured. Her openness about her pregnancy challenges, especially her difficult experiences with hyperemesis gravidarum, resonated with many parents. She also discussed her use of meditation and deep breathing, techniques that helped her cope with the severity of her symptoms. “Hypnobirthing taught me about deep breathing, and it really helped when I was feeling so sick,” she revealed, underscoring the importance of self-care and mental strength during difficult times.

The arrival of Prince Louis added new dimensions to the family, but it also brought unique challenges. During a royal tour in Poland and Germany in 2017, Kate had jokingly hinted at expanding the family after receiving a baby toy, playfully telling William, “We’ll just have to have more babies.” However, not everyone agreed with the couple’s decision to have a third child. Anne Green Carter Dillard, Executive Director of the organization Having Kids, publicly urged the couple to reconsider, citing concerns over environmental sustainability and resource strain. In an open letter, Dillard encouraged William and Kate to set an example by promoting smaller families.

Kate has continued to share insights into her journey as a mother, including the transformative experience of bringing Prince Louis into the world. In 2022, she reflected on those early days, stating, “I keep thinking Louis is a baby, but he’s a big boy now.” She often relates to new parents and connects with mothers facing similar challenges. During a visit to the Royal Surrey County Hospital, she shared memories of her own experiences, adding that the initial shock of motherhood is hard to anticipate, even when one feels well-prepared.

Kate also spoke candidly about her unique pregnancy cravings. While pregnant with Prince Louis, she developed a fondness for some unusual foods, sharing a light-hearted moment with other moms during a hospital visit. According to Amy Stubbs, Deputy Director of Midwifery at Royal Surrey County Hospital, Kate had a warm rapport with the parents she met, speaking openly about naming her children and her cravings, which added a touch of relatability to her role as a royal mother.

Through all her challenges, Kate has shown resilience and grace. Her openness about the highs and lows of motherhood has endeared her to the public, further cementing her role as a relatable royal figure. The Princess of Wales balances her royal responsibilities with her dedication to her family, demonstrating the strength, compassion, and humanity that define her approach to both her duties and her role as a mother. Her journey reflects not only the trials of royal life but also the universal joys and struggles of parenting, resonating deeply with parents around the world.