James revealed that William showed a “wry smile of fondness” when talking about the long lives of his grandparents. But when he mentioned Kate and the King, “concern etched between his brows” became evident.

She explained, “He mimes the rug being ‘pulled from under your feet’ in what looks like an act of distraction because it’s here that the emotions threaten to overwhelm him.

He strives to be seen as positive, tapping his index finger on the side of his forehead.” James added that he appeared to choke slightly while scratching his beard, which she noted was “another self-control ritual.”

Protecting His Children Emotionally

William also spoke tenderly about how his children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—have been coping. He said, “Everyone has their own coping mechanisms… we try to make sure we give them the security and the safety that they need.

And we’re a very open family, so we talk about things that bother us and things that trouble us, but you never quite know the knock-on effects that it can have.” He emphasized that his main goal has been to reassure his children that their mother is going to be okay.

Balancing Royal Duty With Family Protection

The Prince acknowledged that media attention has made these personal challenges even harder. While he accepted that criticism comes with his position, he made it clear that safeguarding his loved ones is a priority.

“Trying to sort of balance protecting the children, Catherine, my father needs a bit of protection, but he’s, you know, he’s old enough to do that himself as well.” He admitted that finding this balance between his responsibilities and his role as a husband and father has been “tricky,” but it remains one of his top concerns.