Prince William has unexpected reaction after Kate Middleton gets called ‘beautiful’ by royal fan

Prince William recently had a charming and humorous reaction when a royal admirer shouted a compliment to his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales.

The moment took place on Thursday, 22 May, during the official naming ceremony of the HMS Glasgow in Scotland. The Prince and Princess of Wales were in attendance, with Princess Catherine—serving as the ship’s sponsor—delivering a short speech before breaking a bottle of whisky against the ship’s hull, a traditional christening gesture.

As the royal couple greeted well-wishers lining the event route, one enthusiastic fan called out to Catherine, “You’re beautiful!” Realizing Prince William was just a step behind her, the fan quickly added, “You too, William!”

The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the official ship naming of the HMS Glasgow in Scotland yesterday (22 May) (WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images)

The lighthearted exchange prompted laughter from the royal couple. Prince William responded playfully, “You don’t have to say that. Don’t worry!” as he gently placed his hand on Catherine’s arm before they moved on.

This endearing interaction highlighted the public’s continued affection for the royal pair, who have been married since 2011 and are parents to three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Why ‘Kate Middleton’ Still Resonates

Though she has held the title of Princess of Wales since 2022, many still affectionately refer to Catherine by her maiden name, Kate Middleton.

According to PR expert Megan Boyle, this enduring nickname is fueled by a blend of nostalgia and relatability. “We’ve always known her as Kate Middleton, and that familiarity is hard to change,” Boyle shared with Express.co.uk. “Her love story with Prince William resonates like a modern fairytale—many people feel like they’ve been part of her journey from the beginning.”

Boyle also pointed to the role of digital behavior. “Search engine trends strongly favor ‘Kate Middleton,’” she explained. “For SEO reasons, most media outlets choose to use the name that still drives the most visibility online.”

Indeed, terms like “Princess Catherine” or even “Duchess of Cambridge” rank lower in public recognition compared to the name she became famous with. Media organizations, aiming to maintain their search rankings and relevance, often stick to the widely searched original name.

From Student to Future Queen

William and Catherine first met while studying at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Their relationship, from college romance to royal marriage, has been closely followed by millions around the world. Over a decade later, they continue to strike a balance between regal duty and public relatability.

Whether she’s referred to as Kate Middleton or Princess Catherine, the affection the public holds for her remains unchanged—a testament to her authenticity, grace, and grounded charm.

Enjoyed this royal moment? Follow us for more uplifting stories, timeless traditions, and heartwarming highlights from the royal family and beyond.