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The royal family
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New interview with William

321 replies

elprup · 02/10/2025 22:47

Some interesting snippets here. He comes across as very sensible, grounded and decent. I was slightly surprised to hear him mention Harry’s name!

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/royals/article-15156825/Prince-William-agenda-reform-monarchy-King.html

OP posts:
Antimimisti · 04/10/2025 09:50

Rhaidimiddim · 03/10/2025 23:16

In my view, that would be a huge improvement. Trundle the HoS out when state thingies need doing, and ignore them the rest of the time.

Make British Constitution a compulsory subject in schools for a decade or so, then start a debate about alternative systems. Preferably coupled with a push towards a proper PR system, because why should the anachronysm that is monarchy be replaced but the anachronysm of the UK voting system be retained? Let's all modernise!

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Yes - as long as there was a commensurate decrease in "salary" as would happen at work if your role changed to involve fewer responsibilities.

padronpepper · 04/10/2025 09:52

@Mylovelygreendress
William entered St Andrews in 2001.
Where was it placed in university ratings then do you know?

Mylovelygreendress · 04/10/2025 10:01

It was top in Scotland and top 10 UK . DD1 was there at the same time .

JSMill · 04/10/2025 10:17

I really enjoyed the programme. W came across as grounded and thoughtful but also very warm and kind. Eugene Levy is also a lovely man so it was a nice feel good programme to watch at the end of a tiring week. Windsor Castle looked amazing too. We went on a school trip there a couple of years ago and I realised when watching the programme that I clearly didn’t have a chance to appreciate it properly as I was too busy making sure someone didn’t touch something they shouldn’t!
I was interested in the fact that when Eugene Levy visited St George’s chapel, his first thought was of QEII sitting on her own at her dh’s funeral. It just showed what a poignant and powerful image that was that even someone from outside the UK should have remembered it.

ozarina · 04/10/2025 10:22

jumpingthehighjump · 04/10/2025 08:30

Nothing has defeated me thanks.
My point that, despite the best education, in the country, William didn't achieve anything to write home about. An average achievement from Eton I would say.
Average at best all of them, maybe they don't think it's that important or they have to bother with it. They don't have to strive for anything do they? It's all handed to them on a plate

How ridiculous 😂😂

JSMill · 04/10/2025 10:29

jumpingthehighjump · 04/10/2025 08:30

Nothing has defeated me thanks.
My point that, despite the best education, in the country, William didn't achieve anything to write home about. An average achievement from Eton I would say.
Average at best all of them, maybe they don't think it's that important or they have to bother with it. They don't have to strive for anything do they? It's all handed to them on a plate

A 2:1 from one of the top universities in the world is average?! What nonsense.

ozarina · 04/10/2025 10:31

LidlAmaretto · 04/10/2025 06:58

Agree. This is the impression I get. No matter their qualifications, Philip and Charles have an intellectual curiosity that I don't see in William or TLQ. William is a Windsor to his bones.

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Both Philip and Charles had the time to involve themselves in what you suggest - Philip due to his support role to the Queen and Charles due to his many long adult years as the Prince of Wales due to the long reign of his mother. They had hours to fill. William on the other hand has a young family that he seems to be very much involved in and will be King at a much younger age than Charles. People used to laugh at Charles meandering in his garden talking to his plants. Times change. The world has changed.

Needspaceforlego · 04/10/2025 10:57

ozarina · 04/10/2025 10:31

Both Philip and Charles had the time to involve themselves in what you suggest - Philip due to his support role to the Queen and Charles due to his many long adult years as the Prince of Wales due to the long reign of his mother. They had hours to fill. William on the other hand has a young family that he seems to be very much involved in and will be King at a much younger age than Charles. People used to laugh at Charles meandering in his garden talking to his plants. Times change. The world has changed.

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Yes and its almost hard to remember 12 years ago when George was born William was still full-time in Seach n Rescue on Anglesey.
Then he did Air Ambulance part-time alongside taking on more Royal engagements.

ginasevern · 04/10/2025 11:02

JacknDiane · 03/10/2025 08:40

Didn't Charles say similar in that he was going to modernise the monarchy? And Andrew and Fergie are still showing up to events.

Nothing changes for this mob. Don't let him convince you. Its all been said before.

William's main focus is protecting the monarchy and all the privileges they have. For years to come.

Couldn't have put it better myself.

Needspaceforlego · 04/10/2025 11:10

ginasevern · 04/10/2025 11:02

Couldn't have put it better myself.

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The only things A & F have turned up to are Family Events, ie Weddings, Funerals and Coronation, the Coronation is arguably more State occasional rather than Family.

They haven't been at Trooping the Colour or the Rememberance stuff or any other events
They have pretty much been hidden out of sight for years

Thedom · 04/10/2025 11:19

I think it’s very clear William is rock solid, he came cross as charming and genuine and a real family man, I did feel empathy for him when he said that family issues can overwhelm him rather than his role being overwhelming, he seems to be insightful and prepared for his future role. It’s clear his kids are growing up in a secure, sensible and honorable close family unit. Despite all the privileges they have, a great family home life is something privilege cannot buy. Orla is so cute and clearly adores William.

I would love William to do a tour of Balmoral and his favourite outdoor locations.

ginasevern · 04/10/2025 11:21

Needspaceforlego · 04/10/2025 11:10

The only things A & F have turned up to are Family Events, ie Weddings, Funerals and Coronation, the Coronation is arguably more State occasional rather than Family.

They haven't been at Trooping the Colour or the Rememberance stuff or any other events
They have pretty much been hidden out of sight for years

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But that still doesn't stop the rest of the RF being superfluous to modern society. Not to mention obscenely privileged and self serving.

jumpingthehighjump · 04/10/2025 11:26

They have pretty much been hidden out of sight for years

Why do we keep seeing them then?!
No quietly and discreetly going in through a side door for them !

RealHousewifeOfHull · 04/10/2025 11:26

CatchingtheCat · 04/10/2025 07:48

Of course he can’t do anything that would make a big difference. Negotiating peace in the Middle East would be an absolute NO. He can not get involved in politics unless he plans to abdicate first.

He can make a big difference raising the profile of local causes by opening pensioner centres in Hull, seeing the work done by a school, or being the neutral representative of the country. He needs to do a lot of that though to be making any real difference. It might be dull repetitive stuff but anything more is politics and that is a definite no constitutionally.

What is it with the contempt of Hull?

CatchingtheCat · 04/10/2025 11:35

RealHousewifeOfHull · 04/10/2025 11:26

What is it with the contempt of Hull?

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Nothing. Merely using Hull as a representation for the ordinary towns and activities of the UK as opposed to fancy glamorous events that may seem more appealing

LidlAmaretto · 04/10/2025 11:39

CatchingtheCat · 04/10/2025 11:35

Nothing. Merely using Hull as a representation for the ordinary towns and activities of the UK as opposed to fancy glamorous events that may seem more appealing

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Yeah sorry I just mentioned Hull as an example of a place for no particular reason other than I had to go there recently and it was the first place that popped into my head!

LidlAmaretto · 04/10/2025 11:47

ozarina · 04/10/2025 10:31

Both Philip and Charles had the time to involve themselves in what you suggest - Philip due to his support role to the Queen and Charles due to his many long adult years as the Prince of Wales due to the long reign of his mother. They had hours to fill. William on the other hand has a young family that he seems to be very much involved in and will be King at a much younger age than Charles. People used to laugh at Charles meandering in his garden talking to his plants. Times change. The world has changed.

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Oh come on! As if William doesn't aldo have hours to fill! Compared to people with full time jobs and young children, or even compared to other Royals he has absolutely acres of time. His kids are all at school, he doesn't have to do any life admin at all. If he wanted to just study something in depth he has every single resource at his disposal. He doesn't want to do it. And fair enough, he doesn't have to. It makes no difference and he will be overpraised whether he does it or not. . I was just pointing out the difference between what see as Charles and Philip ( in the Prince Albert mould) of just wanting to learn for learning sake and education.

CrimsonStoat · 04/10/2025 12:37

Thedom · 04/10/2025 11:19

I think it’s very clear William is rock solid, he came cross as charming and genuine and a real family man, I did feel empathy for him when he said that family issues can overwhelm him rather than his role being overwhelming, he seems to be insightful and prepared for his future role. It’s clear his kids are growing up in a secure, sensible and honorable close family unit. Despite all the privileges they have, a great family home life is something privilege cannot buy. Orla is so cute and clearly adores William.

I would love William to do a tour of Balmoral and his favourite outdoor locations.

Of course he came across well, that was the purpose of the interview, to show the populace what a solid guy he is, and what a great king he'll be.

I'm sure he's as decent as he believes himself to be.

And many of us would love to have the opportunity to come up with ideas for how to improve the world, and work part time with advisors to implement those ideas.

The RF have immense, unearned wealth. They make money from us, are coy about their duchies and estates, and seem to spend quite a lot of time and money trying to make sure nobody discovers the real extent of their dealings.

The latest of which I think was the money they make from public services which are on their knees. Only changing when they got found out.

Decent people would make the changes before having to.

BemusedAmerican · 04/10/2025 12:48

If you look at the geography course, you I'll see that William is using his education with Earthshot. He's also in charge of a Duchy with lots of coasts and islands, so his education will help with his administration of his holdings.

We had the president in NYC a few weeks ago for the US Open and he got booed. I would rather than have my electeds negotiating for peace or trade agreements rather than sitting around sporting events. Targeted visits where he can talk to people are better for William than opening a supermarket.

You also don't know what William reads, watches, etc. I work with some patronizing intellectuals who lack common sense. It's tiring. William appears to have common sense. He probably gets exasperated by outdated policies.

Piglet89 · 04/10/2025 12:53

CrimsonStoat · 04/10/2025 12:37

Of course he came across well, that was the purpose of the interview, to show the populace what a solid guy he is, and what a great king he'll be.

I'm sure he's as decent as he believes himself to be.

And many of us would love to have the opportunity to come up with ideas for how to improve the world, and work part time with advisors to implement those ideas.

The RF have immense, unearned wealth. They make money from us, are coy about their duchies and estates, and seem to spend quite a lot of time and money trying to make sure nobody discovers the real extent of their dealings.

The latest of which I think was the money they make from public services which are on their knees. Only changing when they got found out.

Decent people would make the changes before having to.

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This is an outstanding post. Agree with every sentence. 👏

CatchingtheCat · 04/10/2025 12:54

Targeted visits where he can talk to people are better for William than opening a supermarket.

He will talk to people opening supermarkets. Or do you mean they are the wrong people? He shouldn’t be talking to ordinary people?

RealHousewifeOfHull · 04/10/2025 13:03

CatchingtheCat · 04/10/2025 11:35

Nothing. Merely using Hull as a representation for the ordinary towns and activities of the UK as opposed to fancy glamorous events that may seem more appealing

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Hull had been mentioned twice in this thread. Let’s go forward from this shortlist:

Swansea
Truro
Canterbury
Peterhead
Inverness
Macclesfield

I thank you.

CatchingtheCat · 04/10/2025 13:06

CrimsonStoat · 04/10/2025 12:43

Royal estates 'receive millions from public bodies and charities' - BBC News https://share.google/2C8uVJga9WX7mPi8J

That article is mainly about receiving rent or money for contracts which presumably have to go to tender. It would be strange to expect stuff for free. It also mentions capital gains tax when the assets of the Duchy of Cornwall can not be sold for the benefit of the Duke of Cornwall. The fact that you have to pay for your Duchy lemon curd is not the point. The point is should the prince of wales be funded this way, is the amount reasonable and should the voluntary income tax he pays on the Duchy income be obligatory?

inamo · 04/10/2025 13:14

None of us knows what these people are like in real life at all. No more than you know what your neighbours are really like indoors when chatting about the weather when you meet.

Fair enough PR is essential for them, it's well timed and puts them back in the public eye mostly with a positive spin that none of us can contradict.

I am always reminded of the line in the poem by TS Eliot (The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock) when I suss that someone is spinning or I'm not sure of their real self.

"There will be time, there will be time
To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet;"