
Royal Staff Playfully Compare Prince William's Tantrums to a 'Fourth Child' in the Family
2025-03-22
Author: Emma
Recent revelations suggest that the royal staff has a humorous take on Prince William's behavior, likening him to the 'fourth child' in the family due to his occasional tantrums. The source of this juicy insider information comes from Tom Quinn, the author of "Yes, Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants," who shared his insights during an interview with Fox News.
According to Quinn, the staff often jokes that Kate Middleton, officially known as Catherine, Princess of Wales, adeptly manages William's moods much like she does with their three young children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. “Occasionally, William has little tantrums and irritations if things aren’t done the way he wants them done,” Quinn explained. “But Kate is very good at managing that,” highlighting her nurturing nature towards both her husband and children.
This portrayal of Prince William, while playful, is not entirely surprising given the intense scrutiny the royal family resides under. Previous insiders have noted that the royal staff often develops amusing nicknames for high-profile figures, with Meghan Markle reportedly having been dubbed “Duchess Difficult” by some.
Quinn also reflected on how William's childhood has affected his adulthood, noting, “When Kate and William first got together, William tended to have tantrums if things didn’t go his way because he was still this emotionally needy child who grew up into an emotionally needy adult.” This candid commentary raises eyebrows given William's status as the heir to the British throne.
This isn't the first time Quinn has shed light on the more complicated dynamics within the royal couple's relationship. Promoting his book "Gilded Youth: An Intimate History of Growing Up in the Royal Family," he mentioned in an earlier interview that the couple does indeed have their spats. “Someone who worked for Kensington Palace told me they do have rows. It’s not a perfect marriage. They have terrific rows,” he stated. However, he added with a chuckle, “Where some couples have a row and throw heavy vases at each other, William and Kate throw cushions at each other. It’s always kept under control.”
William and Kate's love story began in the early 2000s when they met while studying at the University of St. Andrews. They solidified their bond with a royal wedding in April 2011 and welcomed their three children—George in July 2013, Charlotte in May 2015, and Louis in April 2018. Although they do experience challenges, their commitment to one another is evident, particularly as highlighted by William’s heartfelt birthday tribute to Kate earlier this year.
In a touching post shared on January 9, William praised Kate, writing, “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W.”
This behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lives serves to humanize the royal couple, reminding us that even those in the public eye can manage the ups and downs of family life, navigating both love and occasional chaos.