Prince William takes his style from key royal – not King Charles or Princess Diana

Prince William, having been groomed from a young age for his future role as King, is now showing signs of the kind of leader he will become. According to royal experts, much of his leadership style appears to be influenced by one key figure in his life—his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. While the exact moment when William was informed of his royal destiny remains unclear, it is known that his preparation for the role began early in life.

Following the divorce of his parents, then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth took on a more hands-on role in shaping William’s future. Royal historian Robert Lacey, author of *Battle of the Brothers*, explained that the Queen initiated a new tradition of Sunday lunches with her grandson after his parents’ separation in 1995. At the time, William was 13 years old and had just started attending Eton College, an elite boarding school across the river from Windsor Castle. These regular gatherings played a crucial role in guiding William through a difficult period and in preparing him for his future as King.

According to Lacey, the idea for these lunches came from Prince Philip, William’s grandfather. He recognized the importance of these moments in mentoring William and helping him develop the skills necessary for his royal duties. While Philip played a vital role in coaching William as a future monarch, he would step aside when the Queen needed to discuss constitutional matters, respecting her role and not wanting to interfere.

One of the most notable ways Prince William emulates his late grandmother is through her famous motto: “never complain, never explain.” Despite the numerous public criticisms and personal attacks made by his brother, Prince Harry, William has chosen to remain silent, maintaining focus on his royal duties. The only exception came when he briefly addressed allegations of racism within the Royal Family, but even then, he refrained from engaging in any further public discourse on the matter. This approach reflects the Queen’s own steadfastness in dealing with challenges and controversies during her reign.

Body language expert Judi James has also noted how William has adopted his grandmother’s air of quiet authority, while at the same time charming those he meets. She observed that William has developed a “charming and disarming social smile” that resembles the Queen’s, especially during public engagements. James noted that William used to appear somewhat wary of the press and photo opportunities. However, in recent years, with the support and influence of his wife, Kate Middleton, William has honed his social skills and become more comfortable in the public eye.

James further described William’s smile as “hugely affable” and genuine, much like the Queen’s. His expression, with raised and rounded cheeks and crinkled eyes, conveys warmth and approachability during royal visits and interactions. This ability to balance authority with affability is a trait William has clearly learned from his grandmother, as he steps more fully into his future role.

William’s connection to his grandmother extended far beyond public duties. Those Sunday lunches not only helped to prepare him for the responsibilities of the monarchy but also created a personal bond between them. The Queen’s steady influence has been crucial in shaping William’s leadership style, and her legacy continues to guide him as he moves closer to the throne.

As Prince William transitions into his role as the future King, it is evident that Queen Elizabeth’s influence on him has been profound. From adopting her “never complain, never explain” philosophy to mirroring her grace and warmth in public interactions, William’s approach to leadership is a reflection of his grandmother’s steady hand and wise counsel. He is emerging as a leader who values both tradition and empathy, much like the late Queen, ensuring that her influence will be felt in the monarchy for years to come.