Prince William is reportedly "smitten" and "enchanted" by his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, with royal experts noting his clear pride in her public admiration. This contrasts with observations about his father, King Charles, who allegedly experienced jealousy regarding the popularity of his former wife, Princess Diana.
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that Prince William is "proud" and "smitten" with Catherine, watching her "light up." Chard added, "Few marriages have deepened in public admiration the way theirs has. They have achieved something very difficult — they have carved out a private life that works, and a public life that works. That balance is a great success."
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told The Mirror that William and Catherine possess a "wow factor" reminiscent of Princess Diana. "People today are equally mesmerized by the new Princess of Wales, so tall, so elegant and so chatty, but William just seems to purr with pride that his wife is such a star," Bond stated.
Christopher Andersen, author of "Kate!," echoed these sentiments, drawing a comparison between the public's adoration for Catherine and that for Princess Diana. "The British people adore Kate in the same way they adored Princess Diana, the daughter-in-law she never met," Andersen told Fox News Digital. "But rather than be jealous of his wife the way King Charles was jealous of Diana's popularity, William is more than content to let Kate shine. In fact, there are times when he is perfectly happy to bask in her reflected glory."
Andersen suggested that Catherine's recent cancer battle has further deepened their appreciation for each other. "Kate has been William's rock for a quarter-century, and vice versa," he said. "What they have is the real thing. And I think Kate's cancer battle gave them a whole new perspective on life and a renewed appreciation of each other."
Bond noted that during King Charles' marriage to Princess Diana, there were reports of him struggling with the attention his wife received. In a 1995 interview, Diana herself recalled how Charles minded the constant focus on her during their 1983 Australia tour, stating it caused "a lot of jealousy" and "complicated situations." Charles and Diana separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996.
"Luckily, William doesn't seem to suffer the same jealousy that his father did when Diana was the darling of the crowds," Bond remarked.
British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that Prince William's delight in Catherine's success is "palpable" and no doubt strengthened by her contributions to the monarchy. "His admiration for her is visible via his adoring glances and his general ease with her popularity," Fordwich said.
Chard added that William sees Catherine as the "perfect future queen" who can balance public duties with a private life, a critical skill for the monarchy's survival. "He loves the fact that she is loved," Chard stated. "It reminds him, in the best way, of the love his late mother received from the public. When he watches a crowd reach for Catherine, he doesn't see a rival for attention. He sees the woman he loves being adored, and he adores her all the more for it."
William and Catherine met as students at the University of St Andrews and married in 2011. They are parents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. William is the heir to the throne.