Taking a baby abroad can be a daunting experience for any parents, particularly when long-haul flights are involved. One well known duo who are set to jet off with their little one in tow in the near future are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In April, the pair will set off on a two-and-a-half week tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Unsurprisingly given the challenges facing them, the high-profile mum and dad are planning to take a nanny with them to help out with childcare for baby George. The trip will begin on Monday 7th April and it will come to an end on Friday 25th April.
Exciting visit
Commenting on the foreign excursion, private secretary to the Duke of Cambridge Miguel Head said it is a “tremendously exciting visit”. He added: “Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to it immensely. As you know, the Duchess has never visited either country, so this is a chance for her to meet the people of New Zealand and Australia for the first time.”
Meanwhile, addressing the issue of George’s schedule for the trip, he remarked: “One or two engagements across the three weeks have been identified as times when the Duke and Duchess might take Prince George along, too. But, George being just a little over eight-months-old by the time they travel, I’m sure you will appreciate that the couple will have to make a final decision on those moments much closer to the time. The Duke and Duchess are content enough to know that he will be with them in the two countries.”
The nanny
Mr Head also provided some details concerning the party set to travel with the royals on their tour. About this, he noted it is “similar in size to recent overseas visits undertaken by Their Royal Highnesses”. According to the private secretary, it will consist of him, the Duchess’s private secretary Rebecca Deacon, three press officers, a tour secretary, a personal assistant, a hairdresser and an orderly to help manage the logistics. Sir David Manning is also going.
Commenting on the childcare arrangements specifically, he added: “A new addition to the party is, of course, Prince George’s nanny.”
Meanwhile, talking about the Duke and Duchess’ decision to travel with a nanny, Mr Head remarked: “Like any new parents, they wanted to ensure that the decision was theirs and it wasn’t driven by any other people’s expectations. They have come to the decision because it is a long way to go and for a long time… and it’s a decision that they feel comfortable with.”
Itinerary
The couple’s travel itinerary is certainly packed. In New Zealand, they will visit Wellington, Blenheim, Auckland, Hamilton, Cambridge, Dunedin, Queenstown and Christchurch. Meanwhile, in Australia their destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Adelaide area, Uluru and Canberra.
No doubt the royals will be in need of some rest and relaxation once they touch down again in the UK following their extended trip. However, they both seem to be looking forward to the adventure.
Anna Longdin writes regularly about childcare in the UK and abroad. She visits sites including Bonne International to ensure she stays up to date on all the latest industry news and developments.
