Kate Middleton recalls childhood memories with ‘amazing granny’ during first podcast interview

‘I try and incorporate a lot of the experiences she gave us into the experiences I give my children now,’ duchess says

The Duchess of Cambridge has reminisced upon early memories she had with her “amazing granny”, outlining how her childhood experiences help instruct how she parents her own children.

The duchess opened up about the impact her grandmother had on her life when appeared on author Giovanna Fletcher‘s podcast “Happy Mum, Happy Baby” on Saturday.

During the interview, which marked the royal’s first ever appearance on a podcast, Catherine explained that the time she spent with her grandmother “really stood out” among her childhood memories.

“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,” the royal 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 38-year-old, who is mother to six-year-old Prince George, four-year-old Princess Charlotte and one-year-old Prince Louis, said that spending time outside is something she feels “really passionate about”, as it’s something she did a lot as a child.

“I think it’s so great for physical and mental wellbeing and laying [developmental] foundations,” Catherine stated.

“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.”

Fletcher, who has three children with her husband, McFly band member Tom Fletcher, emphasised that no matter a parent’s background, they are trying their best to look after their children.

“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,” the 35-year-old said.

During the podcast interview, the Duchess of Cambridge also spoke with Fletcher about her survey “Five big questions on the under fives”.

The landmark survey, which was launched in January, consists of five short questions designed to help shape public perceptions of the importance of children’s early years through first-hand experiences offered by parents, carers and families.

“What we’re doing with the survey is asking people – what is it that matters for them in raising their children today,” the duchess said of the survey, which has so far garnered 200,000 responses.

“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.

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

The month-long online poll is believed to be the biggest survey of its kind.

It has been conducted on behalf of The Royal Foundation by market research company Ipsos Mori.