Standing in for his father during King Charles' difficult health, Prince William reflected on a personal milestone from 2008 when he received the Flying Cross with Princess Catherine proudly supporting him in the audience.

During the event, Prince William shared heartfelt words about Princess Catherine, saying, "Catherine has been my rock, my strength all the way." His emotional tribute touched her heart and brought her to tears, highlighting their strong bond and shared history.

The tribute described William's commitment to fulfilling his royal duties while balancing his family responsibilities, especially as Catherine's health improves. Preparations for upcoming events, including a solo trip to Cape Town in November to attend the Earthshot Awards, were also mentioned.

In addition to interacting with graduates and their families, Prince William paid tribute to the support networks that have helped the new officers on their journey, bringing smiles with a gentle sense of humour about his own past experiences.

The presence of Lady Sarah McCorquodale, sister of William’s late mother, Princess Diana, added a touching layer to the day, connecting the event to his family’s legacy. Overall, William’s emotional tribute demonstrated the strength of his relationship with Catherine and reflected their resilience as a couple amidst life’s challenges.