Prince William Is "Built From the Queen's Mold," Says Royal Expert
He's learned a lot from her.
At this stage in history, Prince William is first in line to the throne of the United Kingdom.
For various royal experts, the Prince of Wales will be more than ready when the time comes for him to reign, in large part because of how much he learned from his grandmother and mentor Queen Elizabeth II.
"I think the Queen prepared him a lot," Hugo Vickers told OK!. "William has said over the years that he had the chance to watch her at work and follow her example, and that’s one of the great advantages of a hereditary monarchy.
"They are trained from day one and they can observe things, see how things are done and absorb things gradually, which is very important."
Indeed, from when he was born up until her sad passing last September, William was able to see his grandmother at work as the U.K.'s beloved monarch, and she no doubt worked to teach him what she knew behind closed doors as well. He was 40 when she passed, so he had four decades to learn from her.
For royal author Howard Hodgson, William is also in better stead from the get-go than King Charles was with the public when he first took the throne.
"[William] is built from the Queen’s mold, in that he is much less controversial than his father and, while he knows what he believes in, he also knows that he cannot shoot from the foot," Hodgson told Express.
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.
"William will know when and how to be discreet—much like his grandmother."
On Friday, Sept. 8, we will mark one year since Elizabeth—Britain's longest reigning monarch—passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and King Charles Have the Cutest Matching Friendship Bracelets
And fans think Charlotte was responsible.
By Amy Mackelden 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
-
In Naming Princess Charlotte, Prince William Poignantly Fulfilled a Long Ago Promise to His Late Mother, Princess Diana
Diana would be “over the moon” about it, her friend says.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Attending Sporting Events with Their Kids Is a “Much Needed Distraction” from Kate’s Ongoing Cancer Battle, Royal Biographer Says
“To say sports play a huge part in the lives of the royals is a massive understatement.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
After Meeting a Teenage Prince William for the First Time, Then Camilla Parker-Bowles Quipped “I Need a Gin and Tonic,” Royal Author Writes
Still largely known as “the other woman,” Camilla was “decidedly anxious” about meeting the future king.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Was Reportedly Advised to Sign a Prenup When He Married Kate Middleton 13 Years Ago—But He Refused
Thirteen years later, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ marriage seems stronger than ever.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Apparently Made a Joint Decision Regarding Prince Harry As They Are “Very Consciously Focusing on Positivity and Recovery”
Though Kate’s health is improving, in her own words, she’s “not out of the woods.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Princess Kate Is “Genuinely Touched” by Everything Prince William Has Done During Her Health Scare This Year, “Not Just for Her, But for the Children”
“Their vows have never been more profound as they navigate this difficult time.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published