To be annoyed by the Duchess of Cambridge's claim that home schooling is 'exhausting'

[Livingtothefull]

www.edp24.co.uk/news/kate-middleton-video-call-parents-homeschooling-challenges-pandemic-7080128

I accept that lockdown has had an impact on everyone to some extent, however privileged. But I can't help being irritated by this. Even if we accept that she is doing the home schooling herself without any help, I don't think there is any comparison between her situation and that of many other people. I am not saying lockdown isn't difficult for her.....but it is a million times harder if you are say a single parent, struggling with home schooling and a minimum wage job which you may lose any time, worried sick about your and DC future if this happens. And doing it in a poky flat instead of a vast country estate.

And I know she may be trying to show empathy with the rest of us. But TBH I would have much more respect for the royals if they would just acknowledge their privilege rather than claim common ground which just isn't there.

I can't imagine they're doing it themselves, they'll have tutors.

Yanbu but I suppose they have to pretend to be united with the commoners, don't they?

She seems like a nice woman but this is just cringe.

What do you want her to say. Tough luck peasants- I have a Norland nanny, chef and a PA.

Completely agree. It's really tin eared and they are usually more careful than this.

Everything about W&K seems false and contrived.

It is a little annoying, yes.

Yes I thought the same. It's only exhausting for her because she's not used to being around her children 24/7. But I doubt she's actually doing much

You are being very unreasonable. It must be torture being locked down with all those tutors, nannies, housekeepers, maids, groundspeople etc., etc. One could hardly move on the estate, don't you know?

Ffs. She may be privileged, but she's still a human being and the mother of 3 young children. Why can't she express how she feels, too? Honestly, she can't win with some people.

Agree OP.

I actually like her, I think she hasn't really put a foot wrong since becoming a royal and I think her work in the early years is really valuable.

But those comments did jar slightly. She hasn't got to worry about her job, her children's education (no worries about paying for private tuition), her home. It cannot possibly be as exhausting as it is for normal people.

Still, I think she tries hard to engage with the people she is talking to, it can't be easy to always say the right thing.

It is ridiculous and patronising, better to say nothing than come out with that claptrap.

yes, very tone deaf of them

I am not a single parent, I have very nice house with lots of land. I have three kids and I am also struggling to home school them. It's not exclusive to people on low incomes and single parents - we are all finding it hard. So yes YABVU

#Bekind

I don’t dislike her at all. I think she seems very nice. Mainly I’m jealous. But her comments were insensitive on this occasion.

Also thought the same. I thought the Queen’s motto for the Royals to abide by was something like “never complain, never explain “.

DofC wants to come across as a “normal” mum of 3. She’s not. And that’s the point...

I think everyone no matter who you are have a right to struggle.
The thing is about them is many of all hear don’t judge others if you see them breaking lock down which many people are doing for the sake of their “ mental health “ however they really can’t do anything because the minute they do it will be all over every where. We don’t know the ins and outs of their set up and if they are allowing people in to tutor their kids. My DS attended the same school ok which those kids goes to and I can imagine the education timetable is intense.

YANBU. She’s not in it like everyone else, not by a long chalk.

If she said nothing people would be calling her out for not caring.

So she says something people still calling her out for saying in their eyes the wrong thing.

Poor bugger can't do right for doing wrong.

YABU

I’m sure the Cambridge family are at the end of their family tether. Kids need structure and socialisation. I’m sure the Cambridge kids are as feral as the neighbours.

I’m sure Catherine is not experiencing lockdown like the ‘plebs’ and should keep her over privileged mouth shut.

Read. The. Fucking. Room. Because. Our. Hearts. Do. Not. Bleed.

For fucks sake, it's not a competition. All parents are struggling in some way right now.

We might not be in the same boats (some might be in super yachts rather than leaky canoes) but we're all in the same damn storm.

Having more rooms in a house doesn't make children happier, but it does make life a little easier in other ways.

Those children can't see their elderly grandparents and great grandparents, just like all other children.

@Aquamarine1029

Ffs. She may be privileged, but she's still a human being and the mother of 3 young children. Why can't she express how she feels, too? Honestly, she can't win with some people.

💯

She often tries to relate to mums by talking about how hard it is, but she really has no idea what it's like for those of us who have to actually work (whether as a SAHM or a working mum). I suppose her advisers must tell her to say these things.

I've never been a huge fan, but I went completely off her and William after their superspreader train tour. Showing your royal mug to the peasants is not essential work, ffs.

YANBU. She has no idea at all, and never will.