Prince William, the grieving royal who has learned to suffer in silence

The BBC interview with Princess Diana in November 1995 was a pivotal moment that shed light on the marital troubles between her and Prince Charles, as well as their respective affairs. In this candid interview, watched by millions worldwide, Diana famously stated, “There were three of us in my marriage,” referring to Charles’s relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles.

This revelation had a profound impact on her 13-year-old son, Prince William, who was a student at Eton at the time. According to accounts, William watched the interview from his housemaster’s office and was visibly distraught, slumped on the couch with red eyes from crying. While he initially composed himself, the following weekend, he confronted his mother, accusing her of making a fool of herself and him. William was described as inconsolable and enraged, though he later apologized and gave Diana a small posy of flowers.

Ultimately, Diana realized that her public admission had caused deep and irreparable harm to her son, highlighting the personal toll her actions had on her family, particularly her children, amidst the highly publicized marital discord.

The British heir to the throne, now at 41, has developed an impressive ability to maintain emotional control, particularly in public settings. Royal experts attribute this skill to the influence of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, whose motto was “never complain, never explain.” Prince William can skillfully conceal his true emotions, appearing calm and composed even during times of stress or sadness.

This emotional resilience has been evident in recent weeks, as he has carried on with his duties while his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, recovered from abdominal surgery and underwent preventative chemotherapy. Despite the public speculation and jokes surrounding her absence, Prince William maintained an air of business as usual.

His ability to cope with public scrutiny and maintain a stoic demeanor can be traced back to his childhood experiences. As revealed by royal biographer Ingrid Seward, the young Prince William was never comfortable with public exposure. In 1996, when photos of his mother, Princess Diana, sunbathing topless were published, he confided in her about the teasing he faced from his Eton schoolmates. Diana acknowledged that her son would have to learn to deal with such teasing and gossip.

This lesson was reinforced at a tender age when, at 15, Prince William had to walk behind his mother’s coffin during her funeral procession. Although he initially did not want to participate, his grandfather, Prince Philip, convinced him that he might regret not doing so for the rest of his life. Despite his inner turmoil, Prince William disguised his feelings and walked with his eyes to the ground, prioritizing his duty above all else.

The late Princess Diana provided insightful observations about her eldest son, Prince William. She described him as a serious and sensitive individual who could be distrustful of strangers and easily hurt emotionally. The Princess acknowledged William’s intellectual nature while also highlighting his empathy and awareness of others’ feelings. These qualities of strength and compassion will undoubtedly serve him well in the challenging months ahead.

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, recently shed light on her husband’s unwavering support during her health battle. In a video posted on March 22, she revealed undergoing major abdominal surgery in January, initially believed to be non-cancerous. However, subsequent tests revealed the presence of cancer, necessitating a course of preventative chemotherapy. Catherine candidly acknowledged the shock of this diagnosis and expressed gratitude for William’s steadfast presence, describing him as a “great source of comfort and reassurance” as they navigate this difficult situation privately for the sake of their young family.

The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, has demonstrated a commendable ability to transform personal traumas into meaningful causes. In 2021, an independent investigation revealed that journalist Martin Bashir had used forged documents to gain access to Princess Diana, leading to the controversial 1995 Panorama interview that deeply affected the Prince. Following the ruling, Prince William firmly stated that the interview lacked legitimacy and should never be broadcast again.

The Prince is a staunch advocate for the right to privacy and a vocal critic of unethical journalistic practices. When a French magazine published topless photos of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, while on vacation in Provence, he supported her in filing a successful lawsuit against the weekly, resulting in €190,000 in damages. In a letter written for the case, he expressed that the publication of those images was “particularly shocking” as it reminded him of the harassment that tragically led to the death of his mother, Princess Diana.

Prince William’s advocacy extends to mental health and anti-bullying campaigns. He has emphasized that bullying is no longer confined to schools, and new technologies have made individuals more vulnerable to such behavior. Through his initiatives, the Prince aims to raise awareness and promote positive change in these crucial areas.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have recently faced online hoaxes and taunts, adding to the challenges they are currently facing. In the coming months, the Prince will have to navigate the illnesses of both his father, King Charles, and his wife, while also caring for their three young children and leading the monarchy. This will all unfold under intense public scrutiny from the media and social media.

The pressure on the Prince will be considerable, but as Harriet Sherwood of The Guardian explains, he has the advantage of being able to focus on his family without financial worries or fear of losing his job. Many others in similar situations have to make difficult choices, as balancing work and caring for someone with cancer can be challenging, according to the Macmillan Cancer Support charity. The charity advises finding a balance between providing support and managing personal capabilities, and discussing flexible working arrangements with employers.

The dynamics within the British royal family have been a subject of intense scrutiny, particularly in light of the recent health concerns surrounding King Charles III. Experts have highlighted the importance of familial support during challenging times, but the once close bond between Prince William and his brother Prince Harry appears to have deteriorated significantly.

As Sherwood astutely observed, many individuals rely heavily on the practical and emotional assistance of close relatives during difficult periods. However, William may be grappling with the breakdown of his once-close relationship with Harry, who now resides thousands of miles away and has become largely estranged from the family. While some families tend to unite and strengthen their bonds in times of crisis, this seems unlikely for the royals.

Interestingly, Prince Harry seemed to suggest otherwise in a television interview last February, following a brief visit to see his father in London. When asked if he believed an illness within the family could bring them together, he responded affirmatively, stating, “I see it on a day-to-day basis, the strength of the family unit coming together. So, yes, I think any illness brings families together.”

Nevertheless, for the time being, Prince William appears to be coping largely alone. He understands that in the House of Windsor, duty takes precedence over personal matters. As his late mother, Princess Diana, once remarked, “I’m sure he’ll deal with his problems. He will have to.”