Whatever their feelings behind the scenes in the wake of Earl Spencer's shocking allegations in his new book about Princess Diana – including the claim that King Charles had said "We'll forget her soon enough" following her death – William and Catherine brought their A-game to their first ever visit to the Isle of Bute.
It was damp and, at times, poured with rain, but they showed warmth, humour and enthusiasm on a trio of engagements designed to celebrate local communities.
William was perhaps just the slightest bit more reserved than I've seen him on other recent occasions, but he was still fully engaged with the project he was being shown. He and Catherine had no qualms about getting their hands dirty as they picked litter from the sand along with volunteers.
At his side, Catherine seemed relaxed and at times appeared highly amused by her husband's attempt to drive a tractor onto the windswept beach.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageThroughout the day it was very much business as usual. They indulged their competitive sides as they swung shinty sticks at a ball with mixed success. They went on to delight locals with a visit to the Anchor and Hope Tavern and Hub, where William enjoyed a cider and Catherine shared a hug with a wellwisher.
Her grounding presence was doubtless a comfort to William following the extraordinary claims made by his uncle Charles Spencer about his father, King Charles in his new book.
William's silence on this – and his brother Prince Harry's return to the UK – is no surprise to me. He remembers all too well the pain of family matters being played out through the media. His childhood was marked by the so-called War of the Waleses during the lowest points of his parents' marriage. As a result he has vowed to never give too much of his own family's privacy away.
So another round of Spencer vs Windsor, more than three decades on, must be incredibly hard to bear.
© Getty ImagesSurely next year's milestone anniversary of the loss of his mother will be difficult enough to reflect on without the added drama of old wounds resurfacing in such a public way.
It's worth remembering that a key reason for his ongoing rift with his brother Harry was the airing of private family conversations in the media, whether in a book, TV interview or documentary. It is a betrayal, in his eyes, that he won't easily forgive. So neither he, nor anyone in his circle, will wade in.
Instead he is keeping his focus squarely on his own life and immediate family and looking to the present and future, rather than raking over the past.
That's why he and Catherine as a double act matter so much. They and their children are the future of the monarchy, so who can blame them for wanting to channel his energy and concern into making that future work as well as possible, rather than be distracted by the noises from off stage.
