Princess Michael of Kent on 'dreadful practice' of breastfeeding: 'My nanny said it was disgusting'
The debate surrounding public breastfeeding continues
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.After one woman was humiliatingly forced to fashion a boob-and-baby screen out of a napkin in high-end London hotel Claridge’s recently, public breastfeeding has become a subject of political debate.
The ever-sensitive Nigel Farage called for women not to be “ostentatious” about it and preferably “sit in the corner” as they do it, while the ever buffoon-like Boris Johnson agreed that new mothers should employ a level of discretion in such matters.
Even Prime Minister David Cameron got involved. A statement from No.1o declared breastfeeding “totally natural” and decried the actions of those - not unlike his new Tory candidate Johnson - who made breastfeeding mothers uncomfortable as “unacceptable”.
Now, Princess Michael of Kent has helpfully waded into the debate to add that she finds the “dreadful practice” less than appealing – as does her nanny, apparently.
Clarifying her remarks via a statement from her publicist, Princess Michael has since added the far less inflammatory following: “It's not something I would do in public but everyone has a free choice.”
Her comments have since been criticised by breast feeding campaigners.
“It's incredibly damaging for women trying to breastfeed their children and trying to do the best for them to hear negative comments about breastfeeding,” Emily Slough, of the Free to Feed campaign group, said.
“I don't understand what the logic is. It's not disgusting. It's not dreadful. That's how we're supposed to feed our children.
“If they can't get over the whole women and breasts things - it's just babies eating.”
Princess Michael is the parent of son Lord Freddie Windsor and daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor, both of whom have successfully reached adulthood.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments