Prince William Is No Longer “Reluctant” to Become King, Says Expert
The idea of taking the throne used to weigh on him, but he’s “accepted” his role now.
![prince william](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PVEeJ6aUHQDEhRTZyT7UQh-415-80.jpg)
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
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
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.
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Here's the Most 'Wicked' Twist on Olympics Opening Ceremony Style
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande heard "Paris" but not "Olympics."
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Did Prince William Remove Queen Camilla's Sister From His Payroll?
She was hired by King Charles in 2005.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle "Fears" Being "Heckled" If She Returns to U.K.
"The last thing she needs is the stress of going back."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry on Why He Won't Bring Meghan Markle Back to the U.K.: "It's Still Dangerous"
He fears for his family's safety.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Critics Claim Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Tried to "Upstage" Prince George
"He wants to steal the thunder with his Invictus Games announcement."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and King Charles Have the Cutest Matching Friendship Bracelets
And fans think Charlotte was responsible.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Put “Her Own Neck On the Line” to Support Embattled Prince Harry at the ESPYs Earlier This Month
“She chose to be there for her husband.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince George Is Intentionally Being Raised Much Differently Than His Father Prince William Was, Even Though Both Are Heir to the Throne
“William still has painful memories of his own childhood and how he hated the persistent attention.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published