Prince William Is No Longer \201cReluctant\201d to Become King, Says Expert
The idea of taking the throne used to weigh on him, but he’s \201caccepted\201d his role now.

In theory, being King or Queen sounds pretty awesome. But in practice? It’s a very public role, held for an entire lifetime, with enormous pressure and responsibility. Prince William was notoriously nervous about being in line for the throne as a young man, with Prince Harry once revealing in an interview, “Is there any one of the royal family who wants to be king or queen? I don’t think so, but we will carry out our duties at the right time.”
But according to Jennie Bond, a royal author with long ties to the family, Prince William is maturing into his duties. Speaking to OK! Magazine, as reported by Express, Bond explained that even as a teenager, it was clear that one day Prince William would grow into a great future king. “Having known his mother Diana and speaking to her at length about her children, I remember so vividly how she said the country is lucky to have William, he's all right,” Bond told the publication. Still, his concerns about taking on such a big role were noticeable even then. “She also said that he found at that age, in his early teens, the burden of kingship was already weighing quite heavily on his shoulders.”
Bond noted that even the public could sense William's reticence to ascend. "I think we did see a reluctance to take on the role earlier on, in his early adolescence, he knew his destiny as none of the rest of us do from such an early age,” she said. “But in the last couple of years he has shown convincingly that he is the man for the role and that he cares about being king.” She added, “He absolutely fully accepts the role and the responsibility destiny has put his way.”
Prince William is second in line to the throne, behind his father Prince Charles, and though rumors have circulated that Charles could step aside to make way for William ascending the throne, these are likely unfounded. Still, Charles may only hold onto the monarchy for a short while after Queen Elizabeth II leaves it, since he’s already 73.
Nevertheless, when Prince Charles does become King, Prince William and Kate Middleton will undergo some title changes of their own. Prince William will become Prince of Wales, and Kate will have the title of Princess of Wales, the same title Princess Diana held.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Check Into 'The Four Seasons' and Meet the Cast of Netflix's Latest Star-Studded Comedy
Tina Fey co-created an updated version of an '80s rom-com and got Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, and more to join her.
-
How Queen Elizabeth Let Prince William "Rip Up" The Royal Rulebook for His Wedding to Kate Middleton
The late Queen broke protocol when her grandson was unhappy about one aspect of his big day.
-
Princess Diana "Insisted" Prince Harry and Prince William Buck One Tradition That Prince George Is Facing
The late princess took control when it came to this aspect of her sons' lives.
-
How Queen Elizabeth Let Prince William "Rip Up" The Royal Rulebook for His Wedding to Kate Middleton
The late Queen broke protocol when her grandson was unhappy about one aspect of his big day.
-
Princess Diana "Insisted" Prince Harry and Prince William Buck One Tradition That Prince George Is Facing
The late princess took control when it came to this aspect of her sons' lives.
-
Royal Historian and Former Butler Claim King Charles Has This Stance on Abdicating The Throne to Prince William
A royal historian and former royal butler weigh in.
-
Princess Diana Thought This Suggestion Prince Charles Made Before Their Engagement Was "Most Improper"
*Clutches pearls*
-
Princess Diana Nearly Caused Two Hollywood Heartthrobs to Get in a "Fist-Fight" Over Her
"Straight men seemed to completely lose their minds in her presence."
-
Royal Historian Predicts Prince William Will Plan His Coronation "In a Way People Won't Expect"
Royal experts weighed in on how the future King William might switch things up on his coronation day.
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Swapped a Luxury Hotel for a Low-Key Cottage During Romantic 14th Anniversary Trip
The couple opted for privacy while visiting Scotland's Isle of Mull.
-
All Kate Middleton Wanted Under Her Christmas Tree Was...a Chainsaw?
The Princess of Wales revealed her unusual gift during a visit to Scotland.