William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales, have been married since 2011. While they often display public moments of affection, they’ve also had their share of friction. Observers have noticed uncomfortable interactions between them in public, and according to royal author Tom Quinn, there’s even more drama behind closed doors. Quinn’s book reveals that seemingly trivial incidents can provoke William’s meltdowns, with some royal staffers describing his behavior as childish. However, Kate is praised for handling these tense moments, often calming him down and providing a different perspective. Over time, William’s meltdowns have reportedly improved, likely influenced by Kate’s example and their parenting together. Despite past difficulties, they’ve built a stronger bond.
In his book Yes, Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, Quinn shared insights from royal staffers who revealed that seemingly minor incidents could trigger William’s temper, making his reactions appear quite childish. One former employee commended Kate for handling these tense moments with grace, noting her ability to draw on her life before royalty to offer William a fresh perspective from someone he trusted. “I don’t know where William would be without Kate … she calms him down when he gets a bit fractious,” the ex-staffer told Quinn (via The Times). “She said he sometimes has to be treated like her fourth child.”
Kate’s reported approach to parenting during emotional moments plays a key role in defusing tense situations—whether it involves her children or, perhaps, even her spouse. As former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond shared with OK! (via Express), Kate’s method includes “never raising her voice, always listening to their grievances and outbursts, and giving them the space to openly express their emotions and frustrations.”
“Prince William’s Reported Meltdowns Have Apparently Improved Over Time”
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Royal author Tom Quinn and his interviewees have sometimes speculated that William, Prince of Wales’ reportedly childish behavior stemmed from having so many aspects of his life managed by others. However, Quinn also offered an empathetic perspective, suggesting that the tragedies William endured may have contributed to his actions. “William often threw tantrums when things didn’t go his way, as he remained emotionally needy — first as a child and then as an adult,” Quinn explained to Fox News.
Thankfully, Quinn suggests this relationship concern isn’t as prominent now. Quinn thinks William has taken cues from Catherine, Princess of Wales, and grown from her approach. Raising their children together has also likely shifted his perspective. After more than ten years of marriage, the prince is now better at managing his emotions and less prone to letting them take over. However, his past behavior continues to linger as a rumor he can’t quite shake.
Despite facing some significant challenges, like Kate’s cancer diagnosis in 2024, William and Kate have managed to persevere. While William may have overreacted to smaller matters in the past, he has shown his dedication to supporting Kate and their three children through what he later described as an incredibly tough year. Looking at their public appearances in 2025, royal observers believe that the couple’s relationship has only grown stronger. “There is a sense of protectiveness and partnership,” royal historian Amanda Foreman shared with People.
