Duchess Kate admits being a mum is 'lonely and isolating' at times

In the same week Prince Harry revealed he almost had a breakdown after his mother's death and Prince William facetimed Lady Gaga to talked candidly about mental health, Duchess Kate has her own admission: being a mum isn't always easy.

Speaking at the opening of a new London school which teaches mindfulness as part of the curriculum yesterday, Catherine said motherhood could be "lonely and isolating", and revealed her battle with shyness.

"It is lonely at times", she said after two mums revealed they had needed someone to talk to when their children were born.

"You do feel quite isolated."

She went on to praise the women — who have created the app, Mush to connect new mums — for finding the courage to speak up.

'But actually so many other mothers are going through exactly what you're going through", she said.

"But it's being brave enough, like you obviously were, to reach out."

The Duchess, who is a mum to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, also comforted one of the students at the school by admitting she has struggled with confidence and opening up over the years.

"I'm shy as well, so don't worry", she said after the 16-year-old admitted he didn't know what to say to her.

Catherine joined her husband, Prince William and brother-in-law, Prince Harry in West London as part of their mental health initiative, Heads Together.