Prince William is preparing to become king, and royal women may play an important role in the process. From Queen Elizabeth to Kate, family members have shaped his image as a monarch now and in the future.
Elizabeth's death sparked a discussion about how the king would rule indefinitely. When William succeeded to the throne, relying on public affection for the women in his life could have been crucial to his overall prestige and the longevity of the monarchy.
Prince William and the women of the royal family: Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana
According to relevant information, Diana's mother told reporters that when William was born in 1982, her daughter was a "radiant" new mother. And she added that her "beautiful" grandson was with his doting parents and the room was "full of happiness."
Of course, this happiness did not last long. An extramarital affair between the future King Charles III and Camilla, among other misfortunes, led to a controversial divorce. Some sources say that with the end of the marriage, the eyes of the world fell on Diana, and Diana and William's mother and son had a deep relationship.
Diana died in 1997 when William was just 15 and the spotlight was focused on him and Prince Harry. And in the years after their mother's death, the brothers continued to remember their mother.
Meanwhile, after Diana's divorce and death, Queen Elizabeth and her grandchildren began a new tradition, according to People. For example, she would have lunch with William on Sundays to bond with him and impart wisdom about being a future king.
William developed a strong relationship with his mother and grandmother. Moreover, from them, inherited character traits as sons, grandsons and future kings.
During Queen Elizabeth's 40 years as William's mentor, she taught him about tradition and how to perform royal duties. She is said to have adhered to the family motto of "never complain, never explain," and he witnessed her in power for decades of its 70 years.
Diana, on the other hand, lived unconstrained by court etiquette and sometimes rebelled against royal customs. Such was the case with her engagement ring, which is now on Kate's ring finger. It was one of the many signs of the eternal bond between William and his mother, and her place in his family and future.
Prince William and the women of the royal family: Kate and Princess Charlotte
Some are hidden. Typically, they have become more confident over the past 20 years.
The two became friends in college, and sources say the young prince was known for his partying style. However, after about a decade of getting along and at least one brief breakup, they tied the knot in 2011.
Since then, Kate's popularity as a member of the royal family has soared. While some have questioned the overall goals and sustainability of the royal family, polls show that Kate and William remain the most popular members of the royal family.
They gave birth to Prince George in 2013, Princess Charlotte in 2015 and Prince Louis in 2018, and they are now one of the most famous families worldwide. According to the Evening Standard, while the eldest son, George, is the second heir to the throne, Charlotte is a fashion influencer with a higher net worth.
William reportedly told George and Charlotte that she could be as good as him in sports — a little recognition of gender equality. As a result, as William's only daughter, many royal experts included her among the royal women who would influence his future throne.
Prince William may have been a modern king shaped by royal women
From the late Queen to the future queen, William has said he values the women in his life. Considering that he always showed close ties with them, experts predict that they will play an important role in constructing his eventual monarchy.
Experts foresee that the establishment of a modern royal power through Prince William may in some traditions be more lenient than his predecessors. Nevertheless, certain ancient customs are still important, so a long-ruling monarch like Queen Elizabeth will greatly benefit her teachings.
Meanwhile, according to Vanity Fair magazine, some believe William will focus on dealing with ordinary people to help them better meet their needs. This seems to be the goal of the "people's princess" Diana instilled in him.
Finally, one way to achieve affinity is to emphasize that he is a family man who happens to be the future king. As his family, Kate and the children are integral to confirming this image. Memories of his famous mother and grandmother will also help.
Of course, it remains to be seen how William will evolve before he takes the throne. But experts believe that inheriting his mother's and grandmother's inheritance will undoubtedly be part of his future reign. His love for them and for his wife and children would continue to guide him to the throne.
Bun| Liang Ishikawa