The Princess of Wales, Catherine (Kate Middleton), has been one of the most closely watched members of the British Royal Family since her marriage to Prince William in 2011. Known for her poise, elegance, and devotion to both public service and family life, Kate has also been open about some of the challenges she faced during her three pregnancies.
In particular, her battle with hyperemesis gravidarum — a severe form of morning sickness — has drawn public attention and sparked broader conversations about maternal health. Looking back at key moments, official statements, and Kate’s own words, we gain a clearer picture of her pregnancy experiences and the resilience she demonstrated throughout.
Confirming the Third Royal Pregnancy
On September 4, 2017, Kensington Palace officially announced that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were expecting their third child【BBC News†source】. The statement also confirmed that, as with her previous pregnancies, Kate was suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum and would be cancelling several public engagements.
This announcement came just before Prince George began his first day of school, with Prince William accompanying him in Kate’s absence. Later, in April 2018, the couple welcomed their third child, Prince Louis Arthur Charles, at the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in London【Royal.uk†source】.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Serious Maternal Health Challenge
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a rare but severe condition during pregnancy characterized by persistent nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss. According to the National Health Service (NHS), it affects about 1 in 100 pregnant women【NHS†source】.
Kate’s struggle with HG was widely covered during her pregnancies with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Unlike typical morning sickness, HG often requires medical treatment, including intravenous fluids and hospital care.
In an interview on the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast (2020), Kate described her experience as “utterly rotten,” recalling how difficult it was to cope physically while continuing her royal duties【BBC†source】.
She explained:
- The illness caused extreme fatigue and nausea.
- Eating and drinking became a major challenge.
- Despite this, the body still nourished the growing baby, which she described as “fascinating.”
Emotional Toll on the Royal Family
Beyond the physical challenges, Kate also spoke about the emotional impact of her illness on Prince William.
In the same podcast, she reflected:
“William didn’t feel he could do much to help, and it’s hard to see someone suffering without actually being able to do anything about it.”
This candid admission resonated with many parents and caregivers who often feel helpless when supporting loved ones through medical struggles.
Labour vs. Pregnancy: Kate’s Honest Perspective
In one of her most surprising reflections, Kate revealed that she actually preferred the experience of labour to pregnancy itself.
She explained that labour, while intense, offered a sense of control and a clear “end point,” unlike the unpredictable and prolonged challenges of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Her comments highlighted an important point: every pregnancy and birth experience is unique. By sharing her perspective, Kate helped normalize conversations about both the physical and emotional difficulties faced by expectant mothers.
Public Engagements During Pregnancy
Despite her illness, Kate continued to balance her health with public responsibilities whenever possible. For example:
- During her pregnancy with Prince George (2012–2013), she made several high-profile appearances, including accompanying Prince William on royal tours once her symptoms improved.
- While expecting Princess Charlotte (2014–2015), she attended engagements such as the opening of new charity projects, though she had to cancel others early in the pregnancy.
- With Prince Louis (2017–2018), her public schedule was again adapted around her health needs, including limiting travel during the early months.
These adjustments underscored both the demands of royal duty and the importance of prioritizing health.
Catherine’s Advocacy for Maternal Mental Health
Kate has consistently used her platform to raise awareness about maternal and child wellbeing. Through initiatives like the Royal Foundation’s “Heads Together” campaign and her focus on early childhood development, she has highlighted the importance of supporting parents and caregivers.
Her openness about HG has also sparked public discussions, encouraging women facing similar conditions to seek medical support and reducing stigma around pregnancy complications.
Public Support and Global Interest
Throughout her pregnancies, the Princess of Wales received overwhelming support from the public. Crowds often gathered outside St. Mary’s Hospital in anticipation of each royal birth, and global media outlets covered every update in detail.
- When Prince George was born in July 2013, the announcement sparked celebrations across the UK and Commonwealth.
- The birth of Princess Charlotte in May 2015 was met with equal excitement, with her first public appearance outside the Lindo Wing becoming an iconic moment.
- By the time Prince Louis arrived in April 2018, the royal family had firmly established its next generation, marking a new chapter for the monarchy.
The Role of Media in Royal Pregnancies
Royal pregnancies have long been a subject of intense media attention, dating back to Princess Diana and even earlier generations. However, with the rise of social media and 24-hour news coverage, Kate’s experiences unfolded under unprecedented scrutiny.
While this brought challenges, it also allowed for greater awareness of issues like HG, maternal health, and the realities of balancing public duty with private struggles.
Conclusion: A Royal Mother’s Legacy of Resilience
The Princess of Wales’s pregnancy journeys — marked by both hardship and joy — reflect her resilience and dedication to family. Despite facing a debilitating medical condition, she fulfilled her role as a royal and a mother with grace.
Today, as a mother of three, she continues to champion issues surrounding mental health, early childhood development, and family wellbeing. Her honesty about her struggles ensures that her legacy extends beyond royal appearances, touching the lives of parents and families worldwide.
Her story is not just about royalty — it’s about the universal challenges of motherhood, the importance of support, and the strength found in sharing one’s truth.
Verified Sources:
- BBC News – Duchess of Cambridge expecting third child (2017)
- NHS – Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Royal.uk – Official Announcements
- [Happy Mum, Happy Baby Podcast – Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge (2020)]
