Ah, those terrible twos! Kate Middleton joked about why she and her husband, Prince William, didn’t bring their 2-year-old son, Prince George, along for the ride during their 2016 royal tour in India and Bhutan — and her explanation is likely very relatable to parents. Us Weekly‘s European bureau chief, Omid Scobie, was exclusively with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for their trek through the Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, where the couple marveled at local wildlife (rhinos and elephants, oh my!) and the lush surrounding vegetation.
Following their safari excursion, the royal couple met with the local elders at the community center in Panbari, which is located on the border of the expansive park. The community heads, who were excited to meet with Kate and William, couldn’t resist asking why the parents of two didn’t bring their adorable son, George, and daughter, Princess Charlotte, 11 months.
“Because George is too naughty,” the Duchess, 34, replied. “He would be running all over the place. The next time we come we will definitely bring them.” (George memorably joined the couple during their 2014 royal tour across New Zealand and Australia, where he played on a butterfly farm, met a bilby and debuted his trademark snarl.)
Middleton also mentioned how much she missed her baby girl. The Duchess was reminded of her youngest after enjoying a traditional dance performance by the girls of the local village. Her visit to Bhutan and India with William is the first time the Duchess been apart from her kids for a prolonged period.
Following their meet and greet, the entourage traveled a short distance to a tea plantation, where they stopped into a local home. Inside, the pair was greeted by Tilasha Das, 30, and his wife Utala, 25, who knelt down and touched Will and Kate’s feet before the royals entered the premises. Das’ young daughters, Anamika, 8, and Kumkum, 5, and other extended family members (plus pets!) and even neighbors were present.
The family — proud owners of a baby goat — also received an acknowledgement from Prince William of their unusual house pet. “Look at that goat just chilling out down there,” he cracked, “wondering what is going on!”
The Duke and Duchess then took a quick tour of the tea plantation.
Morami, one of Das’ family members, spoke to Us Weekly about the special occasion. “I hugged her, because I love her,” the 31-year-old local told Us of meeting the Duchess. “I think she’s very very pretty. She acts like a simple girl, not a princess.”
