kate middleton snow © Photo: PA

Prince William and Kate 'massively' missing George and Charlotte but reveal they have talked to them 'many times'

April 15, 2016

This week's royal tour is the longest period of time that Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, nee Kate Middleton, have spent away from their two children Prince George and Princess Charlotte. And like any other doting parents would, the royals admitted to missing their brood.

On their sixth day away from home while out doing a mountain trek in Bhutan, Prince William was asked by the BBC's Peter Hunt if he was missing his children.

"Massively yes, of course. And we're looking forward to seeing them," he said. "They're in good hands."

kate middleton missing children © Photo: Rex

Kate and William said they were "massively missing" their two youngsters

The Prince added that he and Kate had spoken to the youngsters "many times."

George, who turns three in July, and Charlotte, who celebrates her first birthday in a couple of weeks, are being looked after by their Spanish nanny Maria at home. It's likely that the children's grandmother, Kate's mum Carole Middleton, is also lending a helping hand.

ROYAL TOUR 2016: BEST PICTURES

Kate said that she had spoken to George and Charlotte "many times" during the trip

Prince Charles visited Bhutan in 1988 and carried out the same trek, although he only made it halfway up and stopped to paint a watercolour picture of the monastery.

"My father didn't make it to the top," laughed William. "So that's something I'll be reminding him of when I see him. It will be lovely if the children could come as well definitely."

"We did actually see one family up there with a small child on their front," said Kate. "It was very brave of them. Maybe when [George and Charlotte] are a bit more mobile, I think."

© Photo: PA

William bought a small bronze tiger, presumably for his son George

After completing their six-hour gruelling trek to the sacred monastery, which is perched 3,000 metres up a mountain, William and Kate had time to peruse a local crafts market. The couple couldn't leave without purchasing some gifts, one of which was for George.

William was spotted buying a small bronze tiger for 200 rupees, the equivalent of £2, which was presumably for his son. Kate meanwhile settled on a pair of dangly blue earrings that cost £5.

Kate shows down-to-earth side in £8 earrings

The Tiger's Nest monastery is considered the most important Buddhist temple in Bhutan. It was built in 1692 and is located close to the cave where Guru Padmasambhava – who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan – is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks and three days in the eighth century.

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