Prince William Reveals He's Gone Undercover with UK Spy Agencies
Prince William spent three weeks working in secret with British intelligence agencies, according to a new press release from Kensington Palace. The royal spoke highly of the men and women who work with the agencies.

- According to a new royal press release, Prince William spent the last three weeks working with undercover British spies.
- Kensington Palace shared the news on Twitter and on its official website, including a breakdown of how Will spent his three weeks in intelligence.
- Will spoke highly of the men and women in the intelligence agencies in a quote he gave about the experience.
The name is William, Prince William.
Yes, that's right, the Duke of Cambridge is apparently a spy—or at least he kind of interned as one. Kensington Palace revealed that Will just finished three weeks of work as a spy. Why? Well, here's the reason, in Will's own words:
“Spending time inside our security and intelligence agencies, understanding more about the vital contribution they make to our national security, was a truly humbling experience.
These agencies are full of people from everyday backgrounds doing the most extraordinary work to keep us safe.
They work in secret, often not even able to tell their family and friends about the work they do or the stresses they face.
They are driven by an unrivaled patriotism and dedication to upholding the values of this country.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
We all owe them deep gratitude for the difficult and dangerous work they do.”
The exact details of any real spying Will got to do aren't super clear, but Kensington Palace did give a basic breakdown of Will's three weeks as an agent, which included work with at least three different agencies.
Will's foray into the world of espionage started with a week of working with the Secret Intelligence Service—also known as MI6, roughly the UK's equivalent of the CIA, which focuses on international intelligence. Then, Will spent a week working with the Security Service, MI5 (which focuses on domestic intelligence) and finally, a week at the Government Communications Headquarters in Cheltenham, "where he spent time with those using cutting-edge technology, technical ingenuity and wide-ranging partnerships to identify, analyze and disrupt threats," according to the Palace.
And, apparently, the agencies were happy to have a royal in their ranks.
"Having The Duke of Cambridge spend time with our teams was an incredible opportunity. William worked exceptionally hard to embed himself in the team and comfortably held his own amongst some highly skilled analysts and operators," explained a man identified only as "David, GCHQ Head of Counter-Terrorism Operations" told the Palace for its press release. "His Royal Highness asked some probing questions and demonstrated a real grasp of our mission. This was a rare opportunity to expose, in detail, the technical ingenuity and problem solving skills needed on a daily basis to help keep the UK safe."
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 STORIES
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.
-
This Surprising Royal Once Broke a Record in the London Marathon
The unusual record was set during the 2010 race.
By Kristin Contino
-
Blake Lively Recreates Beyoncé's Butter Yellow Outfit From Head to Toe
The styling couldn't be more Blake.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
I Tried Kate Middleton's Surprisingly Simple Morning Routine
My results were hit or miss—but the princess is on to something with one step.
By Kristin Contino
-
Former Royal Nanny Reveals Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Have Such Different Personalities
"You see how grounded they really are."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Princess Kate Will "Never" Try to "Outshine" Prince William, But She's "Hugely Influential" Behind Closed Doors
According to royal experts, Kate is often forced to act "as a gatekeeper."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why 4 of Prince William's Ex-Girlfriends Attended His Royal Wedding to Kate Middleton
The exes were invited "due to a more peculiar upper class British tradition."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Prince William "Stepped in" for King Charles at Pope Francis's Funeral, According to a Royal Expert
The seating plan was described as a "master plan" of "big egos."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton "Continue to Push Boundaries" When It Comes to This Aspect of Royal Life
"They definitely have a different dynamic compared to other royal couples."
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince William Is in a "Power Struggle" With Father King Charles Over Prince Andrew's Future
The King and Prince of Wales seem to have differing views on the matter.
By Kristin Contino
-
How Princess Kate and Prince William are Following in The King and Queen's Footsteps With Surprise Anniversary Celebration
The Prince and Princess of Wales will mark their 14th anniversary on April 29.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Secretly Spent Easter With Princess Kate's Parents
The little royals were spotted in Sandringham, and hot cross buns were allegedly involved.
By Amy Mackelden