Kate, the Princess of Wales, will be celebrating Mother’s Day this weekend with her three children, but it seems she has an awkward memory from the time that she’ll want to ‘erase’
(Image: Kensington Palace via Getty Images)
The Princess of Wales was the picture of Royal grace as she marked St Patrick’s Day with the Irish Guards, an event that saw her partaking in a traditional pint of Guinness.
During the event, Kate shared a moment with some of the families about balancing her work with being a mum to Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. She confided to one guardsman, “Being able to manage that work-life balance – it’s tough.”
The visit was part of what seems to be a packed Royal schedule for Kate, 43, as she gradually returns to her duties after undergoing cancer treatment.
This time last year news of her unexpected diagnosis had just broken. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, former Royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! exclusively that the princess is likely feeling incredibly grateful to be spending this meaningful day with her loved ones.
“There’s no doubt that every milestone is extra special for the Prince and Princess and their family as they move further from the day she was diagnosed with cancer,” she says. “This Mothers’ Day is one they can wholeheartedly celebrate as Catherine continues her recovery looking radiant and back to her vibrant self.”
Kate wore a pair of Kiki McDonough earrings with a powerful meaning(Image: Getty)
Historically, Kate and William, both 43, have always shared heartfelt and genuine messages on occasions like Mother’s Day, but no-one could have predicted the uproar that ensued last year.
The princess, a passionate amateur photographer, had to issue a public apology for causing “confusion” by editing a photograph of herself and her children before sharing it with their Instagram followers. It was only a few days later that we discovered she’d also been dealing with her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
“I’m sure the whole family will be wanting to erase the memory of last year’s Mothers’ Day” Jennie said. “And it will be interesting to see whether she releases another card this time. I think she will.
“This year the celebration falls at the start of the school holidays, when the family would usually be in Norfolk, and if they are there, I’m sure it will be a day filled with as much outdoor activity as possible: walks and games, cycle rides and picnics.”
(Image: PA)
A wholesome family celebration would be very much in line with Kate’s words last year about her illness giving her a new perspective on life, and it reminding her and William “to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
This sentiment will likely feature heavily in the family’s Mother’s Day celebrations, as Jennie adds: “I imagine the children will be making hand-written cards – with William’s encouragement and help. And some gifts that either make her feel pampered, like bath luxuries, or that make her laugh, maybe a jokey cushion or book. Or perhaps both.
“We know William thinks his wife has been amazing in the past year, and I’m sure he’ll want to let her know that she’s a fantastic mum. So I can envisage a tasty, home-cooked, healthy breakfast in bed for Catherine, with some flowers from the garden and perhaps some of her own homemade jam!
“And then a day of simple family fun. Of course Catherine will also want to use the day to thank her own mother for all that she has done during the past year.”
Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael, have been a huge emotional and practical support for Kate, William and the children last year. While they have rarely spoken publicly about their daughter since she married William in April 2011, they are known to have an incredibly close bond.
William and Kate on a day out at the rugby last week(Image: The RFU Collection via Getty Ima)
Kate Middleton’s summer video update from last year, where the future Queen unveiled she had finished her preventive therapy, also caught Royal fans’ attention with a cosy family scene. In the video, Kate enjoyed a lively card game at their Anmer Hall residence in Norfolk with her parents Mike and Carole Middleton by her side.
Commenting on these endearing moments, Jennie said: “Just how important they are in their family life was obvious when Catherine’s film about the end of her cancer treatment included some lovely footage of Mike and Carole playing what looked like a very competitive game of cards at the Prince and Princess’s home in Norfolk. Mind you, I think William said later that it gets so competitive that, after a while, he actually took the dog out for a walk!”.
Meanwhile, Mother’s Day 2020 unfolded in an exceptionally poignant manner for the Royals, as Kate and William reached out via their official social media channel. Their message resonated deeply during those unsettling times, stating: “To mothers new and old and families spending today together and apart – we are thinking of you all at this difficult time.”
The post included cherished photographs showcasing the intimately familial moments, such as both parents sharing piggyback moments with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and a nostalgic photo featuring Prince William and Prince Harry with their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Kate also shared a throwback photo of herself as a baby in the arms of her mother, Carole. While the family’s official Royal diary doesn’t typically include private celebrations, Jennie speculates that they might all come together this year, potentially with Kate’s sister Pippa and brother-in-law James Matthews.
“Whether Carole and Mike will decide to spend the day with the Wales’s or their other children we don’t of course know. I suppose it’s possible that the whole Middleton clan could meet at Buckleberry for a family celebration- or at Pippa’s nearby.
“Whatever the case, it’s certain that everyone will want to make a fuss of Catherine and Catherine will want to make a fuss of her mother, who has been so important in helping her recover.”
In line with many families, Jennie suggests that the Waleses will also be remembering those mothers who are no longer present, especially William’s own mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Although he has had many years to adjust to the reality that he can’t celebrate with her, Jennie shares that it’s still a deeply emotional day for him, and “he will take great solace in celebrating the woman who is mother to his own children”. She continues: “I’m sure he will also want to show his love for Carole, who is much more than just a mother-in-law to him. She has for many years been his friend and comforter in good times and bad.”