Kate Middleton just shared the thread that binds all mothers together.

Far from the divide of money and power and social status, there’s a common thread that binds a lot of women: learning how to be a mum, and a good one at that.

Kate Middleton is one of those women, wading through the complicated waters of parenting with the gaze of the entire world fixated on her every move.

In a speech she gave an event organised by Best Beginnings, a UK children’s health charity on Thursday, the Duchess of Cambridge gave rare insight into her home life, describing motherhood as a “huge challenge”.

“Personally, becoming a mother has been such a rewarding and wonderful experience. However, at times it has also been a huge challenge,” she said.

Pre-empting the backlash that inevitably comes after a women with money – and help – voices her parenting struggles, the Duchess said she understands that it must be far harder for those without support at home.

“Even for me, who has support at home that most mothers do not. Nothing can really prepare you for the sheer, overwhelming experience of what it means to become a mother. It’s full of complex emotions of joy, exhaustion, love, and worry, all mixed together.”

The Duchess added that she’s often lacked confidence when it comes to being a mother.

“There is no rule book, no right or wrong – you just have to make it up and do the very best you can to care for your family. For many mothers, myself included, this can, at times lead to lack of confidence and feelings of ignorance.”

In line with the theme of the day – mental health – the Duchess said we should be keeping an eye on the mothers who “take on an overwhelming responsibility of caring for their families”.

“Their role is vital in providing unconditional love, care, and support at home, particularly in the early years of a child’s development.

“We therefore should do everything we can to support and value their hard work," she said.

Since the birth of Prince George, the family has enlisted the help of Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, who is a graduate of Norland College, which has supplied nannies of the highest quality to the rich and famous since 1892. Borrallo famously wears a beige fifties-style dress with an “N” embroidered on the pocket, white gloves, brown shoes and a flat brown hat which is the uniform for graduates of the college.