The Duchess of Cambridge opened up about the particular “difficulties” of being a parent during a visit to Baby Basics UK in Sheffield. The volunteer-run initiative helps new mothers and families facing the “financial and practical burden” of looking after a baby.

       Kate helped deliver supplies and campaigned for British firms to donate more than 10,000 new items to baby bank operators Baby Basics, Little Village and AberNecessities.

       Cat Ross, CEO of Baby Basics UK, remembered the Duchess visiting in 2020 - and how her involvement impacted the project.

       She told HELLO!: "The Duchess has helped to raise the profile of baby banks and Baby Basics UK; we've seen more and more brands come on board and their support to us has been absolutely phenomenal.

       “It's really exciting to see how they've embraced what we do and they're really passionate about supporting us and supporting families."

       But the mum-of-three, 39, also helped families by relating to their experiences and opening up about her own parenting struggles.

       Ms Ross said: "I think what struck me the most about the Duchess was her genuine interest.

       “She genuinely wanted to hear of our experiences, she wanted to hear directly from families that had accessed our services, what their experiences were like and was really unashamed to share her difficulties that she faced in parenting and really been able to relate to families about what it's like raising children with three children herself.”

       In June, the Duchess launched the Centre for Early Childhood, a project run by the Royal Foundation.

       The Centre is aimed at commissioning further research into the social science surrounding the early years.

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