The hilarious codename radio staff used to keep Prince William interview secret
The Prince of Wales appeared on Heart Radio last week
Prince William joined Heart Breakfast hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston for a live broadcast last Friday (May 22) during his visit to Cornwall.
The Prince of Wales spoke openly about family life, parenting, and even his wife’s favourite music. But before the microphones went live, the interview had already been hiding in plain sight under a very tongue-in-cheek name.
Codename for Prince William’s Heart Radio interview
According to Heart Radio producer Matt Manley, staff gave the royal interview the codename “Project Susan”.
Writing on LinkedIn, Manley explained the thinking behind it: “We codenamed this ‘Project Susan’ (Susan Boyle → royal).”
He added that the unusual name even got the seal of approval from royal aides.
“We told Kensington Palace the code name, and they loved it.”
The reference to singer Susan Boyle reportedly came from the production team’s affection for the Britain’s Got Talent star.
Manley also revealed another behind-the-scenes detail. The team had originally intended to personalise an Aston Villa football shirt with the word “Wills” on the back, referencing William’s well-known support for the club.
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However, the shop had run out of the letter ‘I’. Manley explained that the team decided to get ‘Heart’ printed on the back instead.
Prince William’s radio interview
During the broadcast, William spoke candidly about life at home with Kate Middleton and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
In one particularly warm moment, he praised his wife.
“She’s an amazing mum and an amazing wife and literally our family couldn’t cope without her,” William gushed. “She has been absolutely stunning, brilliant.”
He also shared a glimpse into the couple’s busy household routine, joking about mornings with their children.
“Charlotte, Louis, if you’re listening, make sure you’re on time, please. Make sure you’re not fighting over who’s listening to what this morning.”
William added that he is “definitely not a morning person” as he described the organised chaos of school drop-offs. “Louis will leave jam fingerprints throughout the car, which is really helpful,” he joked.
The interview also included rare comments about Kate’s recent public engagements and recovery following her cancer treatment.
Reflecting on her return to royal duties, including her trip to Italy for her early years’ work, William said, “She’s been amazing. She’s been through so much in the last couple of years, particularly. And yeah, she’d been looking forward to the Italian trip a lot. I’m really glad it went really well. I’m so proud, very, very proud.”
William also joked about the sheer volume of preparation his wife puts into her work. “She spends, God knows how much time now, looking through all the paperwork. Most evenings, I’m fighting to get past in the bedroom.”
Read more: Prince William reveals big school update on Prince George with ‘boarding’ confession
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