Is breast best?

One of the biggest debates that new parents have to deal with is whether to breastfeed or formula feed their babies. Throw a royal tradition in the mix and it’s a tough one to contend with. 

Historically, female monarchs have relied on ‘wet nurses’ to feed their children. These women breastfed royal babies so that queens could return to duties quickly. 

Royal historian Amy Licence told The Guardian: “Breastfeeding offers a degree of contraceptive protection, so with their babies being fed by others, Queens were free to resume their duties and begin the process of conceiving the next heir.”

The Queen bucked this tradition and chose to breastfeed ​​Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward. In the same way that Her Majesty received important life advice from her mother, she has passed down the new tradition to today’s royal mothers. 

The Queen’s decision to breastfeed did throw up some criticism. It’s reported that Princess Magaret wasn’t a fan, calling it “distasteful”. 

Nevertheless, Princess Diana and The Duchess of Cambridge have both happily breastfed all of their children. “Princess Diana insisted on nursing William and Harry herself”, Licence revealed, adding that both Kate and Prince William take a “hands-on” approach with their little ones.

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Choosing to breastfeed hasn’t been easy for Kate either. In a visit to St Joseph’s SureStart facility back in 2019, Kate spoke candidly about her experience and praised young mothers for overcoming their struggles. 

Prince William and Kate have always been open about their parenting experience. That’s why we know all the special things about the royal youngsters, like Louis’ favourite celebrity or Charlotte’s fancy go-to snack. Oh, and did we mention that Kate admits she’s ‘very broody’?

Through it all, one thing is for certain – the Queen is a trailblazing leader who is doing monarchy in her own way. That’s why we love her. 

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