Dai Davies, who served as operational commander for royal protection between 1994 and 1998, has expressed admiration for the Prince and Princess of Wales following their Welsh-language St David's Day video.
The former police officer, once responsible for safeguarding senior royals, offered a measured assessment of their linguistic efforts.
He said: "I'm full of admiration. I think the majority of the Welsh nation would be happy that they are attempting to speak Welsh.
"For English people who are learning and trying to speak Welsh, I think it was great.
Ex-royal protection officer 'full of admiration' after William and Catherine spoke Welsh
|X: PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES
"Like the curate's egg, it was reasonable in parts, but the main pronunciation was not quite there. But they tried and that's super."
Mr Davies continued to tell Hello!: "Practice makes perfect."
The royal couple released their joint message on Sunday to mark St David's Day, the annual celebration honouring Wales's patron saint on March 1.
Recorded at Frogmore House on the Windsor Home Park estate, the video was shared across their official social media channels.
The pair have been praised by royal fans | INSTAGRAM: PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES
The footage represented a significant milestone for Catherine, 44, as it marked the first occasion she had been heard speaking Welsh publicly.
Royal watchers responded enthusiastically to the princess's debut in the language, with one commenting that Welsh is "a tough but beautiful language" and another suggesting Catherine should continue her studies.
When translated into English, Prince William's portion of the message conveyed warm wishes to the Welsh people, describing their homeland as "a beautiful country, with a rich history and wonderful people".
Catherine's contribution expressed the couple's deep affection for the nation, stating: "Wales is very close to our hearts, and we look forward to every visit."
William and Catherine travelled to Wales ahead of St David's Day
| PAShe concluded by extending her hopes for "a day full of celebration with family and friends".
The previous year saw William deliver his St David's Day address entirely in Welsh for the first time, though he was understood to be learning conversational Welsh rather than undertaking formal lessons.
The Welsh-language message came shortly after the couple visited Wales the previous week, where they toured communities in Llanidloes and Newtown.
A local resident described meeting the royals as 'lovely' | GETTYDespite wet weather conditions, William and Catherine appeared in good spirits as they greeted members of the public during their engagements.
Their itinerary included stops at Hafan Yr Afon, a venue dedicated to culture, community and heritage, as well as the Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes.
The princess also met with Creative Producer Kate Morgan-Clare at Oriel Davies, a contemporary art gallery in Newtown, where she learned about a project supporting young people's wellbeing funded by the Alexandra Reinhardt Memorial Award.