It was an off-the-cuff comment made by the Princess of Wales as she chatted with elderly people at a community lunch club. But Catherine’s revelation that she loves washing the dishes – and that hubby Prince William dries them, making them a “good double act” – was a telling insight into what life is like for the royal couple behind closed doors, and why their ability to work as a team makes them a force to be reckoned with.
Catherine and William, both 44, are very protective of their private lives but occasionally let slip personal details about what they’re like when they’re not in the public eye.
In the past couple of weeks, Catherine has been particularly candid, revealing during one engagement that William is a passionate and knowledgeable gardener, then spilling the beans about how they pair up to get the dishes done, often roping in their children, Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight.
In the past, she’s talked about how her idea of fun is the family spending time outside getting “filthy dirty”. William once even admitted their pet spaniel Orla sleeps on their bed.
Stronger together
These behind-the-scenes glimpses paint a picture of a couple whose personal relationship is so strong that when it comes to their high-profile work, they’re the “ultimate power couple”, says royal commentator Jennie Bond.
Jennie says their complete alignment on what matters, from putting their family first to believing in the urgent need to tackle the global climate crisis, “is one of the many reasons why they make a great team”.
Their unwavering support of each other is also crucial. They often turn up to each other’s engagements, even when they’re not scheduled to. Last week, Catherine joined William to congratulate rugby league star and charity fundraiser Sir Kevin Sinfield. He had just finished an ultramarathon.
Their partnership is very balanced. While William will eventually have the top job as King, Catherine won’t stand in his shadow.
“They are far more equal partners than many kings and queens before them,” says Jennie.
Royal biographer Simon Vigars agrees.
Built on friendship
“Catherine is no wallflower. She’s got definite views about things. William obviously trusts her implicitly.”
Others have praised Catherine and William for their public events.
“People make much of William giving the big speeches, but Catherine is there too, talking to people, making them feel seen,” says a royal aide.
A guest at a Buckingham Palace reception hosted by the couple later noted, “Together, they combine grace and a regal presence with a lovely human touch.”
Their mutual respect and deep trust in one another were built on the foundation of a close friendship. This, says royal expert Ingrid Seward, has been key to their relationship.
“The great thing is that they were friends before they became lovers,” she says, pointing out that they got to know each other well after meeting at St Andrews University, before embarking on a romantic relationship.
“She was, in a way, his sounding board. During their first vacation from university, he drove to her house in Bucklebury and took her to the local pub, where they had a long chat.”
During that meeting, William confided in Catherine about his doubts about whether he should be doing an art history degree. She suggested he try geography, which he did.
“She was a good friend.”
Always in sync
Body language expert Judi James says watching the couple interact in public shows how in sync they are. It also reveals the humour in their relationship. While meeting members of the public in Scotland in September, William had to remind Catherine to move on. She had been spending time chatting to a group of people.
Instead of getting grumpy, he hammed it up. He pointed to his watch to indicate they were running late, looking to the crowd for sympathy. Judi says he was funny and sported a “sheepish, good-natured grin”.
His gestures weren’t the “tetchy, bossy signals some of the other royals choose to display when their wives keep them waiting”.
Their shared humour is one of their superpowers, according to broadcaster Helena Chard.
“They haven’t changed as people and have simply matured together. They are carrying out everything that they feel fits, rather than what is expected. They complete each other like two puzzle pieces.”
