Nicolai Haugsted
The Princess of Wales surprised elderly residents with an unexpected confession about how she and Prince William divide household duties.
Life behind palace doors might seem a world away from the routines of an ordinary family household. Yet the Prince and Princess of Wales apparently have a rather familiar approach to keeping things running at home.
Despite their royal responsibilities, William and Catherine have often spoken about their determination to give their three children as normal an upbringing as possible.
Now, the Princess of Wales has offered another glimpse into their domestic life, revealing that she actually enjoys a household task many people would happily avoid.
And as it turns out, Prince William doesn’t get to sit back and watch.
A royal surprise for local residents
The revelation came during Catherine’s visit to Pulborough in West Sussex, where she joined elderly residents for a trip on a community minibus.
The princess was helping celebrate the 50th anniversary of West Sussex Minibus, a volunteer-run service that provides transport for older people in the area.
Among those receiving an unexpected royal visitor was 94-year-old Stella Drewett, whom Catherine helped aboard the bus outside her home.
Explaining why she had joined the outing, Catherine told her fellow passenger she wanted to attend the local lunch club “because I want to see what it’s all about”.
The princess also shared a familiar frustration about leaving things behind.
“Everyone always runs after me [shouting] ‘you forgot your handbag’,” she joked according to The Mirror.
And when it came to making sure everyone was safely seated, Catherine revealed that her own children require similar reminders.
“I have to remind my children to put their seatbelts on too.”
The passengers eventually arrived at Pulborough Village Hall, where a weekly lunch club gives older residents an opportunity to enjoy food, activities and company.
William has his own job in the kitchen
During lunch, Catherine moved between tables, chatting with guests and enjoying some crisps.
Conversation soon turned to everyday life at home, prompting an unexpectedly enthusiastic admission from the future queen.
“I love washing up [doing the dishes]. I really do,” she revealed.
One guest immediately spotted an opportunity and jokingly replied:
“Oh good, a volunteer!”
But Catherine wasn’t finished sharing details of the Wales family’s domestic arrangements.
Asked whether Prince William helps with the washing-up, she explained that the couple have established their own division of labour.
“He does the drying. We are a good double act. And we get the children involved.”
That means Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are apparently expected to lend a hand as well.
For a family accustomed to formal engagements and royal ceremonies, the arrangement sounds remarkably ordinary.
Catherine’s enthusiasm for washing dishes might also make her one of the more unusual volunteers a community lunch club could recruit.
The visit meant more than a royal appearance
Beyond the lighthearted conversations, Catherine’s visit highlighted the importance of community services for older residents.
West Sussex Minibus relies on volunteers to help people travel around the local area, including those who might otherwise struggle to attend social activities.
The weekly lunch club at Pulborough Village Hall offers opportunities for conversation and companionship.
For 87-year-old Sarah Broadhurst, the princess’s appearance was particularly meaningful.
“I think it’s amazing she has come to our little place. It can be isolating so it’s lovely to have a royal visit,” she said.
Catherine spent time speaking individually with guests, offering a personal touch to an occasion intended to recognise five decades of volunteer work.
