Princess Diana is said to have once made a heartfelt prediction about her son, Prince William, during his younger years.

The late Princess of Wales, who passed away in 1997 at just 36 years old, had great hopes for her firstborn — and it appears he’s fulfilling them today.

Princess Diana Predicted Prince William’s Popularity, Says Royal Expert

Princess Diana had a sense early on that her son, Prince William, would be widely admired.

According to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, Diana once told her, “William’s alright. The country is very lucky to have William.”

Speaking to The Mirror, Jennie said Diana’s words have proven true: “It’s clear William is doing a lot of things right. People respond well to his down-to-earth and approachable style.”

She added, “Even the way he speaks sets him apart from past generations. He’s articulate but not overly posh. And while he dresses smartly, he’s often seen in jeans and sneakers.”

“He’s happy to take selfies with fans — sometimes even helps them take the photo if they’re nervous. Diana’s instincts about him were spot on.”

Prince William’s Popularity Remains Strong

It looks like Princess Diana’s belief in William was well-founded — recent polling supports it.

According to a YouGov survey, 75% of people in the UK have a favorable opinion of Prince William, placing him among the most liked members of the royal family.

His popularity isn’t limited to the UK. A separate YouGov poll targeting American respondents shows he’s also well-regarded in the U.S., where he holds the title of the most popular living royal with a 63% approval rating.

Prince William praised as the ‘epitome of professionalism’ by body language expert

A body language specialist recently shared some insight into Prince William’s demeanor at the FA Cup final — and summed him up with one powerful phrase: the “epitome of professionalism.”

Although he was understandably disappointed that his favorite team, Aston Villa, didn’t make it to the final, William still carried out his royal duties with his usual grace and warmth.

Speaking to Betfair Casino, expert Darren Stanton explained, “The thing with William is that he always remains professional in these situations – he’s always the epitome of professionalism.”

Stanton added, “Even though his team didn’t make it to the final, he prioritizes his royal responsibilities and truly enjoys interacting with people. He always dresses appropriately for the occasion and knows how to make others feel comfortable.”

“Despite being the future king, he shows no signs of arrogance. Earlier in the day, he did show a bit of disappointment, but his mood clearly shifted — he genuinely looked happy to be there and take part in the event,” Stanton concluded.

What was the relationship between William and Diana?

Prince William shared a very close and loving relationship with his mother, Princess Diana. As a child, he was not only deeply bonded with her but also became someone she confided in during difficult times. Royal expert Robert Jobson, in his book William at 40: The Making of a Modern Monarch, revealed that young William once said he wanted to be a police officer so he could “protect” his mother — a touching sign of his deep care for her.

Jobson noted that Diana often turned to William for emotional support, especially since he was her eldest son. This early dynamic helped shape William’s strong sense of responsibility and compassion, traits that continue to define him today.