Kate Middleton felt ‘isolated’ after Prince George’s birth while William was working night shifts

'It was so isolated, so cut off, I didn't have my family around me,' duchess says at Cardiff children's centre

The Duchess of Cambridge has spoken about feeling “isolated” as a first-time mother when the Duke of Cambridge was doing night shifts as an RAF search and rescue pilot.

On Wednesday 22 January, the duchess visited the Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre in Cardiff, Wales following the launch of her landmark national survey.

The UK-wide online survey, titled “Five Big Questions On The Under Fives“, will allow members of the public to offer their perspective with regards to raising the next generation.

While visiting the children’s centre, Catherine said it was “nice to be back in Wales” as she heard about the support parents receive as part of its services.

“I was chatting to some of the mums, I had just had George and William was still working with search and rescue, so we came up here when George was a tiny, tiny little baby, in the middle of Anglesey,” the duchess stated.

“It was so isolated, so cut off, I didn’t have my family around me, he was doing night shifts, so if only I’d had a centre like this at a certain time.”

Carolyn Asante, head of the centre, told the royal that support is something all parents “need”, regardless of their “social status”.

“When you’re a parent, you take home this little baby and I don’t know about you but I didn’t know which way was up or down,” Ms Asante said.

Following the duchess’ visit, Ms Asante praised her for being “so genuine and down to earth”.

“She was genuinely interested in what the children had to say, and you can’t fake that,” Ms Asante recalled.

“It’s great to have the spotlight shone on the early years because everyone here recognises its importance and that it’s such a crucial stage of development, so if we can get it right at this stage we’re giving children the best possible start.”

During the launch of the national survey at Birmingham Science Museum, Catherine spoke about how “parents, carers and families are at the heart of caring for children in the formative years”.

The mother to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis said that “as a parent”, she understands “how much we cherish the future health and happiness of our children”.

“I want to hear the key issues affecting our families and communities so I can focus my work on where it is needed most,” the duchess said.

“My ambition is to provide a lasting change for generations to come.”