Duchess of Cambridge opens up about parenting struggles

Kate discussed the struggles of being a parent. Photo / Getty Images

Kate Middleton has spoken candidly of her struggles as a mum during a visit to a volunteer organisation which provides a helpline for parents.

Despite having a nanny and housekeeper on hand to help out with Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 3, and nine-month-old Prince Louis, the Duchess of Cambridge admitted she still has moments of feeling isolated.

"It's so hard. You get a lot of support with the baby as a mother, particularly in the early days, but after the age of one it falls away," she told volunteers at the launch of the Family Action charity's FamilyLine service in London on Tuesday.

"After that, there isn't a huge amount — lots of books to read. Everybody experiences the same struggle."

For her latest outing, Kate made a political statement with her fashion. She wore a chic forest green belted dress — estimated to cost around $1000 — by Beulah, an ethical London brand aiming to support the victims of sex trafficking in India.

Kate wore a stunning green ensemble. Photo / Getty Images

She accessorised the outfit with a green suede clutch and matching heels, along with a pair of $2690 Kiki McDonough diamond earrings.

Meanwhile, it's not the first time Kate, 37, has spoken of the challenges of parenting.

In 2017, during a speech at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, she admitted she'd been left with a "lack of confidence" at certain times.

"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," Kate told the audience.

The Duchess of Cambridge is introduced to staff members during her visit to a new national support line. Photo / Getty Images

"For many mothers, myself included, this can, at times lead to lack of confidence and feelings of ignorance."

She went on to explain that new mums often suffer in silence in the early months of parenthood, "overwhelmed by negative feelings, but also afraid to admit to the struggles they are facing due to the fear or shame of what others might think if they 'aren't coping'".

Kate also urged women to seek professional help during difficult times.

"It's right to talk about motherhood as a wonderful thing, but we also need to talk about its stresses and strains," she said. "It's okay not to find it easy. Asking for help should not be seen as a sign of weakness."

Where you can get help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call 111.

If you need to talk to someone, the following free helplines operate 24/7:

DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757
LIFELINE: 0800 543 354
SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666
YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 or text 234