Prince William Learned This Important Lesson About the Press from Princess Diana
Prince William learned from watching his late mother, Princess Diana, deal with the press that being too open can backfire. As a result, when he started giving solo press conferences in college, he made a point to give reporters a story but not to say too much to them.
Being royal comes with a lot of perks, but it also has its drawbacks, the most notable of which is the overwhelming lack of privacy. Prince William struggled with the idea of the press covering his every move in college and, thankfully, the royal family was able to make a deal with British reporters: Leave Will alone when he's on campus and we'll give you special access to him at other times.
The deal also applied to Will's gap year, during which he was able to travel the world and experience life without the fear of constantly being pursued by the press. But, when he returned from his travels and prepared to start college, it was time for Will to live up to his half of the bargain and appear at his first solo press conference.
In her book Kate: The Future Queen, royal expert and biographer Katie Nicholl explains that Will's approach to the press had been shaped by his mother, the late Princess Diana, who died in a car crash while trying to escape the lenses of paparazzi in Paris.
Will's skill with the press has only increased as he's gotten older, of course, but he still follows the "rule" he learned from Diana and never says too much.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for theMarie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
Prince William on the Sweet Connection that Son Prince George Shares With Princess Diana
RELATED STORY
Prince William Threw Himself Into School as a Distraction When Princess Diana Died
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Jennifer Lopez Is Back—and So Is a Meaningful Blouse
The star is reinventing a familiar staple.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
6 Fall Denim Trends Tested and Approved by Celebrities
Plus the exact pairs Katie Holmes, Zoë Kravitz, Jennifer Lopez, and more are wearing.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
4 Coat Styles Everyone Should Own at Every Budget
It's time to bundle up.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Originally Bonded Over Their "Naughty" Sense of Humor
"They've certainly cleaned up their act for the children's sake, but they can still make each other double over laughing."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Reveals Kate Middleton's Surprising Favorite Dessert
Count us in!
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Tells a Fan That He and Princess Kate Don't Sleep Alone
So cuddly.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Inside Princess Diana and Prince Charles's "Utterly Traumatic" 1983 Tour to Australia
Charles is kicking off his first visit Down Under since taking the throne.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, Says He Visits Her Island Grave "Pretty Much Every Day"
Earl Spencer spoke with 'Good Morning Britain' about his late sister.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Gives Us a Hint on What His Focus Will Be As King
The Prince of Wales shared some thoughts on his role in a new clip from his upcoming ITV documentary.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate Once Called Becoming a Member of the Royal Family "A Daunting Prospect" in Resurfaced Clip
A video from the couple's engagement announcement is making the rounds on TikTok.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
This Recent Royal Event Caused Prince William to Say He Was Ready to "Smash" Some Windows
Watch out below!
By Kristin Contino Published