Edwina Bartholomew has hit back at “sexist” online spectators for claiming she “abandoned” her two young children to cover Queen Elizabeth’s funeral from London.
The Sunrise presenter, who is mum to Molly, 2, and six-month-old Thomas, was part of the international media frenzy covering the historic event, joining Natalie Barr and Kochie for Channel 7’s round-the-clock reporting from London’s landmarks.
Despite the extraordinary career opportunity, Edwina was slammed for choosing the work trip over looking after her kids, so soon after returning from maternity leave.
In a column for The Daily Telegraph, Edwina defended her decision, saying her children were in “very good hands” with her husband Neil Varcoe.
She wrote bluntly, “You should know that although my kids aren’t with me, they are in very good hands, just not mine.”
Shutting down the idea that mothers need to be full-time caregivers, Edwina sarcastically added that Neil “lives in our house too and also cares for our kids”.
Despite the negative comments, Edwina said she was pleased to receive an outpouring of support from fellow working mothers.
“Working mums are clearly in the same boat as me with chaotic households,” she wrote.
She concluded by saying her work trip was a “liberating” experience, prompting her to book more time away to recharge and leave her children with her husband.
She said, “If you see me out and about or see photos of said activities online, you should know that although my kids aren’t with me, they are in very good hands, just not mine.”
Image credits: Sunrise / Instagram
This article first appeared on OverSixty.