If Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties wasn’t indication enough, Kate Middleton’s latest endeavor is definitely proof the monarchy is modernizing.
In case you missed it, over the weekend the 38-year-old Duchess of Cambridge was on a podcast—yes, a podcast—called Happy Mum, Happy Baby. While chatting with host and bestselling author Giovanna Fletcher, the mom of three opened up about her favorite parts of parenting Prince George (6), Princess Charlotte (5) and Prince Louis (1).
She explained that being in nature with her kids is something she’s “really passionate about,” adding, “I think it’s so great for physical and mental wellbeing and laying those foundations. It’s such a great environment to actually 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.”
This isn’t the first time Middleton has spoken candidly about motherhood, but it’s one of the first times a member of the royal family has appeared on a podcast. As a rule, the royal family likes to stay private. Typically, that means not speaking about their personal lives on podcasts, but the Duchess of Cambridge is in the middle of gathering information for her new Five Big Questions on the Under Fives initiative. She’s essentially on a press tour aimed at bettering the lives of young children, so it makes sense that she’s shaking thing up and moving past the royal rota.