Duchess of Cambridge says ‘amazing granny’ inspires her parenting

The Duchess of Cambridge at Stockwell Gardens Nursery and Pre-School — Image caption The duchess appeared on the podcast after visiting children at a nursery in south London

The Duchess of Cambridge has said her parenting inspiration is her “amazing granny” who involved her as a child in arts and crafts, gardening and cooking.

In her first podcast interview, she said she wants to replicate similar experiences with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The episode examines the Five Big Questions On The Under Fives, a survey launched by Catherine to start a debate about early childhood.

It has had 200,000 responses so far.

Speaking on the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast, Catherine told author and host Giovanna Fletcher that the survey aims to ask people “what is it that matters for them in raising their children today.”

“I had an amazing granny who devoted a lot of time to us, playing with us, doing arts and crafts and going to the greenhouse to do gardening, and cooking with us,” she said.

“And I try and incorporate a lot of the experiences that she gave us at the time into the experiences that I give my children now.”

The duchess said her own priorities included providing her children with the “happy home” and “safe environment” she had enjoyed as a child.

She said she is “passionate” about children spending a lot of time outside, adding that it is “so great for physical and mental wellbeing” and laying the foundations for healthy development.

“It’s such a great environment to spend time in, building those quality relationships without the distractions of ‘I’ve got to cook’ and ‘I’ve got to do this’. And actually, it’s so simple,” she said.

‘A generational change’

The month-long online poll, conducted by Ipsos Mori on behalf of Catherine’s Royal Foundation, aims to “spark a national conversation” on early childhood, Kensington Palace has said.

Launched in January, it is thought to be the biggest survey of its kind and the results are intended to guide the duchess’ future work.

Image copyright Kensington Palace/PA Media

Image caption It is the first time the duchess has been interviewed on a podcast

“It’s going to take a long time, I’m talking about a generational change, but hopefully this is the first small step: to start a conversation around the importance of early childhood development,” Catherine said.

“It’s not just about happy, healthy children. This is for lifelong consequences and outcomes.”

Ms Fletcher – who is married to Tom Fletcher from McFly – said Kate seemed “passionate” about the subject and it was “beyond wonderful to sit and talk further about the survey, her work – for which she has so much knowledge, and her own experiences of being a mother”.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, what you have, or where you come from – we’re all trying to do our best with our children while continuously doubting our decisions and wondering if we’re getting it completely wrong. Talking helps unite us all,” she said.

The ‘five big questions’

Image copyright Getty Images

1. What do you believe is most important for children growing up in the UK today to live a happy adult life? Rank from most important to least important:

Good physical and mental health
Good friendships and relationships
Access to opportunities
Access to a good education

2. Which of these statements is closest to your opinion?

It is primarily the responsibility of parents to give children aged 0-5 the best chance of health and happiness
It is primarily the responsibility of others in society to give children aged 0-5 the best chance of health and happiness
It is the shared responsibility of parents and others in society to give children aged 0-5 the best chance of health and happiness
Don’t know

3. How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? The mental health and wellbeing of parents and carers has a great impact on the development of their child(ren)