Kate Ferdinand shares reaction of Rio's kids when she called herself their mum
Kate Ferdinand says her step children have helped put her at ease over instances where she has referenced herself as 'mum' to them.
The 31-year-old former The Only Way Is Essex star is the wife of former professional footballer Rio Ferdinand, 44, having tied-the-knot in 2019.
The couple first began dating in 2016 and Kate navigated the sensitive process of taking RIo's children Lorenz, Tate and Tia, now aged 16, 14 and 12 respectively, under her wing.
Rio and Kate have since welcomed another son named Cree in December 2020 and live as a happily blended family together.
Rio's first wife Rebecca Ellison - who is Lorenz, Tate and Tia's mother - tragically died of breast cancer in 2015, aged 34.
Rio Ferdinand delivers verdict on Marcel Sabitzer transfer with no hesitationKate has now opened up about how her step children assured her it would be fine if she accidentally made reference to being their mother.
She explained to the Happy Place podcast: “Sometimes I’m ‘Mummy Kate’.
"But the other day I found myself going ‘come here to Mummy’, and Tia’s there and I go ‘oh sorry’.
“Tia said ‘Kate, it’s fine, I’m OK if you say mummy. You don’t have to say Mummy Kate. It doesn’t bother me’.”
Last month, Kate shared details of her family dynamic, explaining how she considers herself a mum of four.
She shared an extract of her book, How To Build A Family, with The Sun and wrote: “Although I’m not their biological mum, I still call Lorenz, Tate and Tia my kids. With Cree, I am a mum of four. I have four children.
“If you suggest I have one, I will correct you. If you treat one differently to the other three, I will have a problem.
“I believe all four of the children should be treated equally.
“If you ask if I am their mum, I will say that I am their stepmum and, although they are not biologically mine, I still see them as my children.”
And last year, the reality star - who is currently expecting her second child with husband Rio - explained how her son helped pull the family together.
Rio Ferdinand fires warning at new Arsenal signing Jorginho after Chelsea switchShe told OK!: “Cree has brought us all closer than ever. It’s beautiful to see. He’s so cheeky – and really loud!
“Everyone in our family is quite loud, so he definitely tries to compete with us all, and he’s so funny. He says ‘Hiya’ to everyone we pass while walking down the street.
“I’m just so grateful that I’ve got a lovely big family I wouldn’t have unless I was in this situation. The biggest high is love. I’m so lucky.”