They would have been forgiven for feelings of trepidation when they stepped out for their first big moment with members of the public since the bombshell arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
A week after the monarchy was plunged into an unprecedented crisis, with serious questions being asked about who knew what, and when, in regard to the long‑running Jeffrey Epstein scandal, the Prince and Princess of Wales may have been braced for heckling, as other family members have experienced in recent weeks. But instead, on the surface, they were able to breathe a sigh of relief.
William and Kate seemed to be blown away by the incredible reception they received in Wales last week, when, amid mounting scrutiny of the royal family, the couple outwardly projected calm resilience.
An off‑the‑cuff remark by Prince William a few days earlier had made headlines around the world, but their relaxed smiles and warm interactions with the crowds conveyed a sense of stability during these turbulent times.
Their busy programme took in a visit to a community cafe, an art gallery and a cultural hub, but the royal couple ripped up the schedule to make half a dozen impromptu stops, showing their appreciation for the hundreds of well-wishers who had turned out to see them despite torrential rain. In scenes described by one onlooker as “Walesmania”, there were hugs from children, countless selfies and, ahead of St David’s Day on 1 March, armfuls of daffodils given as gifts.
In Llanidloes, Gareth Morgan, 90, put a hand on the Prince’s shoulder, said “God bless” and told him that people were thinking of his family. In Newtown, Jill Christofides, 65, shook William’s hand and said: “The monarchy is safe in your hands, sir.” Speaking afterwards, she said: “With all that’s going on at the moment, there could be a swell against them, but when you see the time he’s willing to spend with people, it’s lovely to see.”
Regardless of the strain they may be feeling behind closed doors, William and Kate seemed relaxed, and perhaps even slightly comforted by the enthusiasm with which they were received.
Their ease and popularity with the public were reassuring to see, and a sure sign that they are coping with the huge pressure on the family.
They were supportive of one another, too, each placing a comforting hand on the small of the other’s back, demonstrating just how crucial their partnership is as the royal family navigates uncharted territory.
© Getty ImagesFor a future King and Queen who bear the responsibility of safeguarding the monarchy, the visit appeared to offer respite at the end of a week in which difficult questions were directed at them at the Bafta Film Awards.
As the couple walked the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Kate in a floor‑length Gucci gown and William in a dark red velvet tuxedo that matched her belt and clutch bag, a TV journalist had shouted: “Your Royal Highnesses, is the monarchy in peril?”
If they heard the question, they did not react. Indeed, the royal family cannot comment publicly on the ongoing police investigation into the King’s brother. But inside, I listened as the Prince gave some insight into his state of mind as he and Kate chatted warmly to their hosts.
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaEver the professionals, they ensured that the conversation flowed, and William revealed that his wife had been “in floods of tears” after watching Hamnet, a nominee for the best film award. Asked whether he had seen the heartbreaking adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, William replied: “I need to be in quite a calm state and I’m not at the moment. I will save it.”
Although he was speaking about the film, and was all smiles as he did so, the Prince’s remarks were widely interpreted as relating to how he is coping with the ongoing fallout from the release of the so-called Epstein files.
And for many, they elicited sympathy. Having long sought to distance himself and his family from his disgraced uncle’s behaviour, it has become abundantly clear that he was right to do so.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesStressful situation
“He may not have meant it, but it will be construed as that’s what he meant,” says Russell Myers, the author of a new book about the Prince and Princess. “It has been a stressful time for the entire family, and I think people probably sympathise with his position.”
But make no mistake, this is a precarious time for the royals. “The language being used and the constant rhetoric has crossed the line of what they would have expected,” he adds.
The situation has clearly unsettled current and former courtiers.
“Reading the papers at the weekend, it’s the first time I’ve really thought that actually, we’re not in a good position,” says one former senior aide.
Russell, the author of William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, adds: “There is intense pressure on the royal family, possibly like there’s never been before.
“Serious questions are going to be asked. I think the politicians are now scratching the surface. The deference has potentially been lost. We have a situation where MPs are standing up and pretty much listing their perceptions of [Andrew’s] behaviour. It’s extraordinary.
“And you have the police investigations. You have the added issue of the UK government, supported by some of the realms that are coming forward now, saying that they will strip him from the line of succession. This is very, very serious.”
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