Home / HEIRS & SPARES / Prince William

William Admits He Was Completely Caught Off Guard by One Thing Kate Did in Italy: 'I Had No Idea'

Princess Kate may have just revealed a side of herself that even her husband, Prince William didn’t see coming.

(L)William visits Parc y Scarlets to meet members of the team. (R)Catherine greets children on the first day of her visit to Reggio Emilia. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Max Mumby/Indigo; (R) Phil Noble via Samir Hussein/WireImage
(L)William visits Parc y Scarlets to meet members of the team. (R)Catherine greets children on the first day of her visit to Reggio Emilia. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Max Mumby/Indigo; (R) Phil Noble via Samir Hussein/WireImage

Princess Kate may have just revealed a side of herself that even Prince William didn’t see coming. During a recent royal visit to Italy, the Princess of Wales unexpectedly left both fans and her husband impressed with a surprising moment that quickly caught attention. Now, William is opening up about the unexpected discovery during a recent interview, and royal watchers can’t stop talking about it. So, what exactly did Kate do during the trip that managed to surprise everyone, including her husband?

Prince William during an interview on 'The Breakfast Show' from the Isles of Scilly. (Cover Image Source: YouTube | Heart Breakfast)
Prince William during an interview on 'The Breakfast Show' from the Isles of Scilly. (Image Source: YouTube | Heart Breakfast)

William recently appeared on the British radio show Heart Breakfast and, while talking to the hosts, revealed that he was very proud of his wife for acing her very first overseas tour following her cancer diagnosis. Detailing Kate's efforts before the tour, he shared, “She wanted to do a lot of research; God knows how much time now looking through all the paperwork." The Prince continued, “She’s a proper pro on early years, and most evenings I’m fighting to get past in the bedroom all the paperwork she’s got lined up to read.”

Kate Middleton crouches down to chat with kids during the first day of her trip to Reggio Emilia (Image Source: Getty Images I Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Kate Middleton crouches down to chat with kids during the first day of her trip to Reggio Emilia (Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage)

And while William is thrilled that the Italy tour went on smoothly, he also revealed how shocked he was to see a different version of Kate during the trip. “I’m so pleased it went so well for her, and I think she came back buzzing," he said. The Prince continued, “So proud. Very, very proud. She's been amazing. She's been through so much in the last couple of years, particularly, and she'd been looking forward to the Italian trip a lot, so I'm really glad it went really well." Further on in the interview, host Amanda Holden complimented Kate's Italian-speaking skills, "I had no idea she spoke Italian, either," to which William quipped, "I didn't actually. She must have dusted that off from a while ago."

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales meet healthcare staff during a visit to Charing Cross Hospital on January 8, 2026 in London, England. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Isabel Infantes)
Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, meet healthcare staff during a visit to Charing Cross Hospital on January 8, 2026, in London, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Isabel Infantes)

For the unversed, during a recent visit to Reggio Emilia, the Princess of Wales impressed locals by speaking Italian while meeting children at the city’s town hall. Introducing herself as 'Catarina,' the Italian version of her name. "I speak a bit of Italian. What is your name? I am Catarina,” said Kate as she warmly interacted with youngsters and practiced the language throughout the visit. The Princess of Wales likely developed her Italian skills years ago during a three-month study program in Florence in 2000, where she studied art history and Italian before attending university in Scotland, where she later crossed paths with William.

GET BREAKING ROYAL NEWS
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

More Stories

The 2010 ITV News sit-down, conducted by journalist Tom Bradby at St. James's Palace, remains one of the most candid windows into the couple's dynamic.
By Abha Anindita · 1 DAY AGO
According to royal author Omid Scobie, Prince Harry remains frustrated by Prince William's alleged lack of accountability.
By Andrea Cutinho · 2 DAYS AGO
In order to mark St. Piran’s Day, William was in Cornwall and stepped behind the counter at Gear Farm Pasty Company in St Martin, Helston.
By Madhurima · 2 DAYS AGO
As William stood in the crowd, one man shouted a question regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's controversies.
By Madhurima · 2 DAYS AGO
A York family friend claims Beatrice and Eugenie are holding tight to their titles, wary of suffering the same fate as their parents.
By Andrea Cutinho · 2 DAYS AGO
Judi James says the royal’s smile and stance suggested underlying tension during the Sandringham walkabout.
By Abha Anindita · 3 DAYS AGO
Images of schoolchildren standing in the rain during the Wales visit sparked criticism online, with some questioning the optics of the carefully staged royal engagement.
By Abha Anindita · 3 DAYS AGO
Prince William reportedly had a big hand in King Charles's decision to strip Andrew of his royal titles and residence.
By Andrea Cutinho · 3 DAYS AGO
Sources say the Sussexes offered support after the York sisters were sidelined from the royal carriage procession.
By Abha Anindita · 3 DAYS AGO
Royal author Russell Myers has suggested that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's legal troubles have accelerated William’s plans for a more streamlined monarchy. 
By Sakshi Singh · 3 DAYS AGO