This year has been absolutely dreadful for Prince William. In a new interview, there’s been some good news in recent months as their family continues to navigate the unknown twists and turns of the pair’s health crisis. William looks to his children when he needs inspiration to carry on.

William loves his sons; they give him so much joy. Charlotte lifts his spirits in a whole different way, though, explaining that the daughter William sweetly calls “Minette,” a French term of endearment that means little darling or cutie, has been an especially bright light during this challenging year. They have a truly special bond that’s only been strengthened by the Royal’s recent adversities.

The father of three recently predicted some challenges ahead when it comes to Princess Charlotte, suggesting that there will be drama in the future. Back in 2016, when the princess was just 9 months old, the Duke of Cambridge spoke about his daughter at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff ahead of the Six Nations Wales vs. France game.

He said that while Charlotte is a sweet and easy baby, he had warnings from other fathers that when children get older, they can be a nightmare. He joked, “Please tell me it gets easier, but all the fathers say to me, ‘Just you wait. When they get to 9 or 11, they get crazy. I’m looking forward to it. There will be some drama.'”

At the time, William and his wife were juggling their official Royal duties with caring for 2-year-old Prince George and baby Charlotte. Now life is even more complicated with George, 11; Charlotte, 9; and their youngest child, Prince Louis, 6.

In the throwback interview, William said his children were getting on very well but implied they were a handful. He said, “No broken bones so far, but they are trying, running around, pushing things, and jumping.” This was not the first time he referred to his children as energetic little ones.

The December before, he said, “We’ll go to church as a family on Christmas day as we always do. George will be bouncing around like a rabbit. We’ll have two children, one who suddenly appreciates Christmas, which could be quite challenging, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Since then, Charlotte has certainly grown into a confident little girl. In 2017, The Duchess of Cambridge spoke to fellow mother Samantha Burge about her during an event. Afterwards, M. Burge added, “Charlotte is growing up really fast. She is the one in charge. We have both got two-year-olds, and they are ruling the roost. It was a bit of a mummy chat then.”

In 2018, the Queen revealed that Charlotte is the one who looks after George during a Royal Engagement. Queen Elizabeth II revealed this sweet insight into their relationship when she presented a signed Bible to 10-year-old Emily Clay, who won the book for a school religious education project.

The late Monarch asked the little girl whether she looked after her younger sister, to which the girl’s mother responded, “It’s the other way around. It’s like that with Charlotte and George.” The Queen then replied.

Also in 2018, Charlotte amused reporters when she stood up to them at Prince Louis’s christening, telling them, “You’re not coming.” Finally, last year, the public saw the young Royal’s cheeky personality for themselves in an adorable clip of her playing with George at the Chelsea Flower Show.

In a clip uploaded to the Royal Family Channel on YouTube, Charlotte and George can be seen frolicking in a garden designed by their mother Catherine, in collaboration with others. Charlotte can be heard urging her brother on as they climbed some rocks by a brook. She called, “George, quicker!”

She also had a rather savage response for William when he asked if she would help George with something. The Duke asked his daughter, “Can you help George?” to which she just said, “No.”

And now, thankfully, the Princess of Wales is doing well. William shared on November 10th, he even hinted she will be doing a bit more next year and that some Royal trips may be lined up soon. Catherine’s already started stepping out more, attending back-to-back events honoring Britain’s war heroes on November 9th and 10th.

On November 12th, Kensington Palace confirmed she’ll also host her annual Westminster Abbey Carol service on December 6th.