Exclusive: Queen Elizabeth's Concerns About Prince William's Future Reign
The late Queen Elizabeth feared her grandson, Prince William, might become a "celebrity monarch" instead of a committed king. Royal biographer Robert Jobson reveals these concerns in his upcoming book The Windsor Legacy. The Queen, who passed away in 2022 at age 96, privately worried that William, 43, could prioritize fame and popularity over his royal duties.
The Queen's Lifelong Belief in Service
Jobson explains that Her Majesty's anxiety reflected her firm belief that duty must always come before personal interests. She admired William but warned insiders:
“Although she loved William and saw much to admire, she feared he might become a 'celebrity monarch' rather than a dedicated one.”
Signs of Doubt in William’s Readiness
The doubts grew from specific incidents during her later years. The Queen felt William was sometimes "too rigid" and not fully prepared for the relentless demands of being king.
- In July 2022, when frail and reliant on walking sticks, she planned to open a 29-bed facility at Thames Hospice near Windsor.
- She had a personal connection to the hospice due to a retiring staff member who cared for the Royal Aviary birds.
- The Queen asked William to stand in for her at the event, but he declined, citing family commitments.
Reflection on Legacy and Duty
These moments highlighted the Queen’s evolving views on William’s preparedness to assume the throne and the heavy responsibilities it carries.
Author's Summary: Queen Elizabeth privately feared Prince William might prioritize celebrity over duty, questioning his readiness to meet the demands of kingship before her death in 2022.