The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are riding out their time of self-isolation at their Anmer Hall home in Norfolk. The decision to do so isn't particularly surprising. William and Kate lived there exclusively until relocating to Kensington Palace in 2017.
The decision is being met with some criticism, however. People across the UK were ordered to stay in their main residences. It was emphasized that the public should not travel to any vacation homes, because it increased the likeliness of spreading the virus.
When William and Kate traveled to Norfolk, they received some backlash for not being held to the same rules. Prince Charles has faced a similar issue due to his positive diagnosis days after traveling to Balmoral.
William and Kate don't have much time to worry themselves with public opinion, however. Aside from the fact that they're at the forefront of royal response at this point, they're also parents. Like so many of us, they're figuring out how to homeschool their kids. The Sun reports that Kate is doing most of the heavy lifting when it comes to homeschooling.
The royal family parted ways as they all went into self-isolation to avoid catching or spreading the virus. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip went to the private apartments at Windsor Castle. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, went to Birkhall. Prince William and Duchess Kate went to Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
Their travels have been a bit controversial. Since those across the UK who were issued stay-at-home orders were told not to hunker down in their vacation homes to prevent further potential spread, some felt it was hypocritical of the royal family to do just that. William and Kate particularly caught flack, as they are believed to have traveled to Norfolk after leaving the 111 call center they visited.
People are also questioning how large of a staff William and Kate have at Anmer Hall. Prince Charles' Birkhall staff has been criticized for leaving the residence to go out to local markets and then returning. There is concern William and Kate's staff could be doing the same.
William and Kate have quite a bit on their plate. They have been positioned at the forefront of the royal family's response.
They also are tasked with taking care of their three little ones, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. They posted a video of the adorable kids clapping for first responders in the gardens.
William and Kate are up against a task that many parents are trying to tackle. The two are homeschooling George and Charlotte as their schools have switched to remote learning.
"For Kate and William, like any other parent, one of the main priorities for them right now is helping to keep a settled home-environment for their children," a source told The Sun.
Homeschooling isn't easy for most kids. Factor in that this is Charlotte's first year and it could present some roadblocks. Still, the source is confident William and Kate have it under control.
"That’s why they have both been keeping very involved in helping George with his work," the source noted. "And they've been putting on lots of activities for Charlotte as well as making time for play with Louis."
"Kate is leading on most of the teaching," the source said. "She spends time every day doing something with them."
This comes as no surprise to those who have followed Kate's early childhood work. She always emphasizes that academic success and mental well-being start at home.
"But William is also rolling up his sleeves and getting stuck in as well," the source continued.
"They’ve both found the experience hugely rewarding but it has underlined to them the amazing job our teachers do."
It's a lot of quality time together for a family who usually have so many others in their orbit.
The idea of Kate taking the lead also isn't surprising when you consider how the parents' roles have been publicly recognized throughout the years. Kate is always lauded for being a hands-on mom. William is always emphasizing how his busy schedule doesn't give him much time to spend with them.
William and Kate have also been working from home, contrary to previous reports that they'd put all royal duties on pause to focus on their kids' education. The two surprised staff at Queen's Hospital Burton and staff at University Hospital Monklands, in Airdrie, Lanarkshire, with phone calls.
Video of the calls was shared to Instagram.
“We’d just like to say from the two of us how proud we are of all of you and how amazingly you are all doing under extreme circumstances," the caption of the video reads. "The whole country is proud of you — so thank you for everything you’re doing and all the hours you are putting in."
It's no secret that William and Kate had a rocky start with all things crisis-related. People weren't so keen on their message of support when they had just been joking about it being dramatized weeks prior. That said, they seem to be getting a better read for what the country needs for them at this point.
One thing that many have been yearning for throughout the UK is a message of reassurance from Queen Elizabeth. While a written statement was released as the royal family went into self-isolation, now a televised message is finally happening.
Queen Elizabeth has recorded a special message to be aired throughout the UK on April 5 at 8 p.m.
