ComScore

Kate Middleton Put Her Foot Down with King Charles and Made Things 'Very Clear' Regarding Her Children

kate middleton puts foot down with king charles universal: a photo of kate middleton in a purple dress
Rob Newell/Getty Images

In a newly released book about Kate Middleton titled Catherine, The Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen (which hit shelves on August 6), it's been revealed that the princess and mother-of-three was very upfront with King Charles about how she would be carrying out her royal duties from the start: She would put her children first.

Kate Middleton Just Made a Surprise Appearance—But Something Super Striking Stood Out


kate middleton and family at Trooping The Colour 2024
Max Mumby/Getty Images

As Robert Jobson, the author of the book, told HELLO! in a recent interview: "With her children, she made it very clear to both the late Queen and to the Prince of Wales, as he was – now the King – that she's not going to be rushed into doing things that she doesn't necessarily want to do."

He continued, "I think she realizes that she only has one shot at this. She's got three young children, and they have to come first."

duchess kate middleton and princess charlotte at wimbeldon 2024
Henry Nicholls/Getty Images

As Kate continues with her recovery from cancer, this prioritization has become even more pertinent.

Given all of the public speculation surrounding her absence earlier this year, and the unrelenting expectations that come with her title, the author adds that this time with her family is especially important, as her children are still "very, very young and this is a time she won't get back again."

Queen Camilla visits Shrewsbury March 2024
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Earlier this summer, the princess gave a public update saying that she was making "good progress" with her chemotherapy treatments, but she still has "good days and bad days."

She also shared that she was hoping to join a few public events over the summer, which we saw at the Trooping the Colour in June, and Wimbledon in July.

"I know I’m not out of the woods yet. I’m learning to be more patient, especially in the face of uncertainty. Accept every day as it is, listen to your body and allow yourself to spend much-needed time healing," Kate shared in her message, before thanking those who have sent her well-wishes.

Prince William and Kate Middleton Surprise Widow who Lost Husband to Cancer with Heartfelt Letter


Stay up-to-date on every breaking royal family story by subscribing here.


Jenny Jin Headshot Vertical 2023

Beauty Director

  • Oversees all beauty content at PureWow
  • Has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, both in print and digital media
  • Produces 'Youngish' newsletter, a guide to beauty in your 30s and beyond