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Even Kate Middleton finds motherhood overwhelming

The Duchess of Cambridge revealed in a speech that she finds being a parent very challenging.

Even Kate Middleton finds motherhood overwhelming

Photo: REX/Shutterstock

Kate Middleton's life is basically a fairytale—I mean she lives in a palace and get to wear tiaras! But even princesses aren't immune to the challenges of parenthood.

Today (March 23), Duchess Catherine attended a mental health event at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. While there, Kate gave a rather revealing speech where she admitted that being a mom to Prince George, 3, and Princess Charlotte, 1, isn't easy.

"Personally, becoming a mother has been such a rewarding and wonderful experience.  However, at times it has also been a huge challenge—even for me who has support at home that most mothers do not," the Duchess of Cambridge says.

Yes, Kate has a live-in nanny, a housekeeper and a supportive mother who help her watch the kids, do the laundry and the cooking. But having help doesn't mean you still aren't overwhelmed by the sleepless nights, breastfeeding struggles and the weird colours of baby poo.

"Nothing can really prepare you for you the sheer overwhelming experience of what it means to become a mother," Kate went on to say. "It is full of complex emotions of joy, exhaustion, love, and worry, all mixed together.  Your fundamental identity changes overnight.  You go from thinking of yourself as primarily an individual, to suddenly being a mother, first and foremost."

Prince William and Kate Middleton introduce Prince George to the world outside the hospital Photo: PA Photos Limited

If you think back to when Prince George was born, you'll remember how Kate emerged from the hospital looking poised and perfectly together despite having given birth just 24 hours earlier. It's kind of reassuring to think that underneath her calm exterior (and perfect hair!), Kate was feeling overwhelmed and really tired.

Now, we know Kate has a favourite parenting book (you can find out all about the parenting rules she follows here), but the Duchess admits that she often just wings it when it comes to motherhood.

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"There is no rule book, no right or wrong—you just have to make it up and do the very best you can to care for your family.  For many mothers, myself included, this can, at times lead to lack of confidence and feelings of ignorance."

kate-middleton-canada-prince-george-princess-charlotte Photo: PA Photos Limited

Kate often makes motherhood look easy. She somehow manages to diffuse tantrums while wearing sky-high heels and a pristine outfit, leaving us all amazed and wondering how she does it. But underneath the perfect dress and matching hat, Kate is just like all other moms—making it up as she goes and feeling huge amounts of internal panic.

Bravo to Kate for opening up about the struggles of being a mum. You can watch Kate give her speech below (and if you're wondering: Kate is re-wearing an Eponine London skirt suit that she first wore last year).

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This article was originally published on Mar 23, 2017

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