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William is also said to have voiced concerns early on about the pace of Harry’s relationship with Meghan, as the couple married less than two years after their first meeting.
Some commentators argue that the Sussexes’ continued participation in visits and public engagements resembling traditional royal duties suggests that the structure and charitable work associated with royal life itself may not have been the central issue. Instead, tensions within family relationships may have played a more significant role in their decision to step away.
Since leaving their roles as working royals, the couple have established their home in California, where they live with their children — six-year-old Prince Archie, who was born in the UK, and four-year-old Princess Lilibet.
Their packed itinerary included visits to a community café, an art gallery and a cultural centre, but the Prince and Princess chose to abandon parts of the planned schedule to make several spontaneous stops. Despite heavy rain, they paused repeatedly to thank the hundreds of well-wishers who had gathered to see them.
The atmosphere was described by one observer as Walesmania, with children offering hugs, crowds taking countless selfies and, ahead of St David’s Day on 1 March, the couple receiving armfuls of daffodils as gifts.
In Llanidloes, 90-year-old Gareth Morgan placed a hand on William’s shoulder, saying God bless and telling him that many people were thinking of his family.
Later in Newtown, Jill Christofides, 65, shook the Prince’s hand and told him: The monarchy is safe in your hands, sir. Reflecting on the moment 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.
Kate seemed relaxеd on her joint visit to Wales last week with husbаnd William
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 also showed clear support for one another, frequently placing a reassuring hand on each other’s back — a small but telling gesture that highlighted the strength of their partnership as the Royal Family faces an uncertain and challenging period.
Their ease and pоpularity with the public were reаssuring to see
For a future King and Queen tasked with protecting the stability of the monarchy, the visit appeared to provide a moment of relief after a week marked by difficult scrutiny, including pointed questions directed at them during the BAFTA Film Awards.
As the couple walked the red carpet at London’s Royal Festival Hall — Kate wearing a floor-length Gucci gown and William dressed in a dark red velvet tuxedo coordinated with her belt and clutch — a television journalist called out: Your Royal Highnesses, is the monarchy in peril?
Whether they heard the question or chose to ignore it, the couple offered no response. Members of the Royal Family are unable to comment publicly on the ongoing police investigation involving the King’s brother. However, inside the event, the Prince appeared relaxed, offering a glimpse into his mindset as he and Kate spoke warmly with their hosts.
The royals were hеckled on the BAFTAs red carpet but appeared not to hаve heard
Maintaining their usual professionalism, the couple ensured conversations remained warm and engaging throughout the evening. During one exchange, William revealed that his wife had been in floods of tears after watching Hamnet, which had been nominated for Best Film.
When asked whether he had seen the emotional adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel himself, William replied: I need to be in quite a calm state and I’m not at the moment. I will save it.
Although the comment referred to the film, many observers interpreted his words more broadly, viewing them as a subtle reflection of how he may be coping amid the ongoing fallout surrounding the release of the Epstein files.
For many royal watchers, the remark prompted sympathy, particularly given William’s long-standing efforts to distance both himself and his immediate family from the controversies linked to his uncle.
William admittеd he was “not in a calm statе” at the BAFTAs
Stressful situation
Royal commentator Russell Myers suggested that while William may not have intended his remarks to carry deeper meaning, they are likely to be interpreted in the context of the current crisis facing the Royal Family.
He said: He may not have meant it, but it will be construed as that’s what he meant. Adding that recent events have placed considerable strain on the family, he noted: It has been a stressful time for the entire family, and I think people probably sympathise with his position.
However, Myers warned that the monarchy is facing an especially delicate moment, arguing that the tone of public debate has shifted beyond what royal insiders might once have expected.
As he explained: The language being used and the constant rhetoric has crossed the line of what they would have expected.
The situation has reportedly caused concern among both current and former palace aides. One former senior adviser admitted: Reading the papers at the weekend, it’s the first time I’ve really thought that actually, we’re not in a good position.
Myers, author of William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, added that the pressure currently facing the monarchy may be unprecedented.
He said: There is intense pressure on the royal family, possibly like there’s never been before.
He continued by noting that political scrutiny is increasing, with lawmakers openly raising concerns and challenging long-standing traditions of deference toward the institution.
In his words: 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.
He concluded by stressing the seriousness of the situation, pointing to ongoing police investigations and discussions within government circles about Andrew’s future status.
As he said: 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.
