Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are gaining ground in the celebrity world through television appearances and film premieres, prompting a Daily Express columnist to argue that they are outperforming Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on platforms once associated more closely with the Sussexes.
William's appearance on The Graham Norton Show to promote the Earthshot Prize supplied the latest example. An Instagram clip featuring his recollection of wanting to become a DJ attracted 1.2 million likes, according to figures cited in coverage.
Reports that Harry and Meghan are angry about the Waleses' publicity have not been confirmed. Neither the couple nor their representatives provided a statement establishing their reaction, and social media engagement alone does not measure the relative success of their public profiles.
Daily Express correspondent Chris Riches nevertheless described the Waleses' recent appearances as evidence of a shift in how the two couples connect with celebrity audiences.
"But the Graham Norton appearance is just the latest example of how William and Catherine have started playing the Sussexes at their own game - and doing it better," Riches wrote.
On Norton's BBC programme, William shared the sofa with Cate Blanchett, Hannah Waddingham and Robert Irwin. Alongside his environmental initiative, he discussed supporting Aston Villa and posting anonymously on football fan forums.
The mix of charitable work and personal anecdotes offered material beyond the usual coverage of formal engagements. The DJ clip's engagement showed a substantial response to one segment, although the reports supplied no comparable figures for recent Sussex appearances.
William also appeared on Eugene Levy's Apple TV+ programme The Reluctant Traveler, welcoming the actor to Windsor Castle. During that conversation, he described 2024 as "the hardest year I've ever had," referring to the cancer diagnoses affecting King Charles and Catherine.
Catherine's profile in film circles has developed through appearances at major British premieres. She and William attended the London premiere of Tom Cruise's Digger in September, where the actor praised their company.
"They're just beautiful people and fun, very funny," Cruise said, according to People. He separately described Catherine as "very funny" and "obviously very intelligent and fun".
Harry and Meghan have long had prominent entertainment connections. Their 2018 wedding included guests such as George Clooney, Idris Elba, David and Victoria Beckham, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey and James Corden.
Since leaving senior royal duties, they have used television and publishing to develop their public profile. Meghan's Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, combines cooking and entertaining with celebrity guests, while Harry's memoir Spare detailed his experience within the royal family.
Riches interpreted the Sussexes' reported move to the Cotswolds as an effort to become a preferred royal presence among wealthy and famous Britons. That proposed motive has not been confirmed by the couple.
He also credited charity campaigner and former rugby league player Sir Kevin Sinfield with influencing William and Catherine's approach to public service, emphasising humility and sustained work. That assessment formed part of Riches' commentary, rather than an explanation offered by the Waleses themselves.
