There were rumors of an affair, a cold shoulder, a battle with cancer and the deepest crisis yet with Prince Harry. But one thing rarely seen at Kensington Palace is open affection, or even a simple compliment.
That changed over the weekend, when Prince William appeared on Heart Breakfast with Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston and used the interview to praise his wife, Princess Kate.
“I’m very, very proud. She's been amazing,” William said, referring to Kate’s royal visit to Italy earlier this month. “Kate has been through so much in the last couple of years, and she's been looking forward to the Italian trip a lot and I’m really glad it went really well.”
William also shared that Kate is meticulous before royal visits and tends to read every possible briefing document. "She wanted to go and do lots of research and she spends God knows how much time now looking through all the paperwork."
William is not known for gushing about his wife, but this time he departed from his usual restraint. “She is an amazing mom and amazing wife, and our family couldn't cope without her,” he said. “She's been absolutely stunning.”
The royal visit to Italy was Kate’s first trip abroad since January 2024, when she stepped back from public life for what was initially described as abdominal surgery. Two months later, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
In the interview, William said Kate was expected to make more trips abroad, but stressed that the family is being careful. "We have to balance that, make sure she’s okay and rested.”
Earlier this month, Kate visited the Italian city of Reggio Emilia for a cause especially close to her heart: early childhood education. “She asked my name in Italian,” said Alice, 5, who was clearly excited by the encounter. “She spoke Italian very well.”
Royal fans turned out in droves to see Kate up close. She stopped to chat, offered hugs, shook hands and accepted bouquets and gifts.
On the first day of the visit, Kate wore a blue Edeline Lee suit and looked radiant. She smiled, bent down to speak with children at eye level, offered hugs and, in short, brought back some royal charm.