Every kid struggles to watch their parents go through a divorce. That is especially true when the divorce turns ugly and it's especially especially true when said ugly divorce is going down between two high-profile parents and one of them decides to give a tell-all interview about the ~drama~.
Prince William dealt with that exact situation as a teen. Will was 13 when Princess Diana gave her infamous tell-all interview on the BBC's Panorama, in which she spoke candidly about the breakdown of her marriage to Prince Charles and his affair with his mistress/future-second wife, Camilla Parker Bowles.
"There were three of us in this marriage," Diana told the interviewer, Martin Bashir. "So it was a bit crowded."
OUCH.
Zingers like that didn't just sting Charles though. They also took a toll on Will, who was "mortified" by the interview, according to royal expert and biographer Katie Nicholl. In her book, Kate: The Future Queen, Nicholl breaks down how things were at school for Will during this time, writing:
And:
In addition to just being an embarrassing and distressing situation to live through on its own, the divorce and the press surrounding it also added to Will's stress with the paparazzi at school. Per Nicholl:
Everything about this makes our hearts ache for Will.
RELATED STORIES
-
Do Your Stressed Winter Skin a Favor and Invest In Barrier Repair14 expert-approved products for soothed, glowy skin, ahead.
-
20 On-Sale Beauty Finds to Conquer the Winter SeasonIt's time to add some hydration to your routine.
-
Netflix Is Adapting One of #BookTok's Favorite Romances—Here's What We Know About Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' TV SeriesCould this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules AttachedThe present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday PhotoThe Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
-
Prince William Is the "Ultimate Nepo Baby," According to Spice Girl Mel B's Daughter Phoenix"There's been rising anger in recent years—almost to the point of obsession on social media."
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business VentureGet ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
-
Prince William Views This Royal Family Member as a "Brother" and Someone He Can "Always Rely On""There's no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost."
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
