According to royal biographer Tom Quinn, Kate Middleton has developed a unique strategy to manage her husband, Prince William’s occasional emotional outbursts, which have been playfully referred to as “tantrums.” Despite the public image of a perfect royal couple, the Prince and Princess of Wales, like any other couple, have their share of disagreements. However, they have found a way to keep these disagreements under control and maintain a strong, loving marriage.
Quinn, speaking to the Mirror, shared insights from a former Kensington Palace staff member who worked closely with the future King and Queen. The insider revealed that Kate has a clever technique for handling William’s mood swings, treating him “like a fourth child.” This lighthearted approach reflects Kate’s understanding of her husband’s personality and her ability to manage their relationship dynamics effectively. The source explained, “Kate treats him [William] like the fourth child because he’s prone to tantrums. They do have rows. It’s not a perfect marriage. They have terrific rows.”
Unlike other couples whose arguments might escalate into something more heated or even destructive, William and Kate have a playful way of resolving their disputes. The source added that while some couples might resort to throwing vases or other objects in moments of anger, William and Kate prefer to throw something much softer: pillows. “William and Kate throw cushions at each other. It’s always kept under control,” the insider shared. This approach helps keep their arguments from turning vicious and instead allows them to defuse tension in a lighthearted and harmless manner.
Despite their occasional disagreements, William and Kate are deeply committed to each other, as evidenced by their public displays of support and affection. In their engagement announcement interview in 2010, William expressed his admiration for Kate, stating that they “both have a very fun time together” and share a “very good sense of humour about things.” He highlighted their ability to keep things light-hearted, saying, “We’re down to earth, we take the mickey out of each other a lot, and she’s got plenty of habits that make me laugh that I tease her about.”
The couple’s bond has been further strengthened by their shared responsibilities and mutual respect. Throughout their marriage, they have emphasized the importance of equality, particularly in their roles as parents and royals. They have worked together to balance the demands of their royal duties with their family life, ensuring that their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, have as normal an upbringing as possible. According to Omid Scobie and Carole Durand’s book *Finding Freedom*, William is “involved in every aspect of raising his three children – including school drop-off and pickup, as well as homework.” This hands-on approach reflects the couple’s commitment to parenting and their desire to be present in their children’s lives despite their royal obligations.
Moreover, their shared sense of humor and ability to not take themselves too seriously has played a significant role in the strength of their marriage. They are known for their playful banter and the light-hearted way they interact with each other, even during public engagements. This sense of fun and mutual respect has undoubtedly helped them navigate the challenges that come with being senior members of the royal family.
Kate’s ability to handle William’s occasional outbursts with grace and humor is a testament to her understanding of him and their relationship. By treating William’s emotional moments with a light touch, she not only diffuses potential conflict but also reinforces their bond. This approach has been key to maintaining their happy marriage over the years.
In addition to managing their personal dynamics, the couple also protects their relationship by keeping their private life just that – private. They rarely speak about their personal relationship publicly, focusing instead on their roles and responsibilities as senior royals. However, when they do talk about each other, it is always with admiration and affection. For example, when asked who was her biggest support during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kate was quick to credit her husband, underscoring their strong partnership and mutual reliance.