Friday 20 June
William at 21
Can it really be 21 years since we heard the news of William's birth at
the Lindo Wing of Saint Mary's hospital London? It hardly seems possible. Well our modern
heir - the first to be born in a hospital rather than a palace - seems to be keeping up
the trend setting tradition he started all those years ago. He still chooses to be known
as William Wales at school, he shops for his own groceries at the local Tesco, he has two
commoners for roommates, avoids royal duties except those undertaken with his father,
enjoys the life of a country gentleman, has forged a strong relationship with his
grandparents and still shows respect for his Spencer relatives. He enjoys traveling the
world and experiencing new cultures, activities and environments. He feels strongly about
"doing good" when and where he can. He takes his studies seriously and his
leisure activities as well. He enjoys the company of leggy blondes - like his mother. Like
his mother he has a wicked sense of humor that sometimes shocks. He has a tight bond with
his father and an appreciation of the for the time he gets to spend at Balmoral and
Sandringham, but does miss the action packed vacations that his mother used to take him
on. Perhaps the pleasure he takes in riding his motorbike is a direct link to those times.
His mother always described him as a deep thinker and indeed Caroline Davies of the
Telegraph recently quoted a royal aide as saying, "He is very questioning. He will
test you. Even at such a young age." This supports my belief that he has spent his
life looking at what has happened to his parents and wants to ensure he doesn't fall into
the same traps. James Whitaker reports a source close to William revealing that, "He
knows - and accepts - he will be king, but doesn't like to think about this. He wants to
put off the duties of royal life as long as possible." He doesn't do solo
engagements. He makes sure his father is with him. In this way he can bring some positive
attention to Prince Charles and practice for his future role without opening up his
somewhat private life to the intrusion of photographers and reporters full time. He is
careful to thank the press for their respect of his privacy. He seems to understand that
he has to give the public some glimpses of himself, but would like to postpone the full
time coverage for as long as possible. He must be quite persuasive too as he doesn't seem
to be getting any arguments from the Queen or his father. I like to believe that they
share his wisdom about the many years it will be until the throne is his and are willing
to let him develop fully outside of the public eye.
William himself gave an interview not long ago. Here he was photographed on the beach in a
"holey jumper" (sweater). He was relaxed and spoke on many topics - including
his enjoyment of other cultures. "I love the people of Africa and I'd like to know
more about them - and to speak to them." He claims to be trying to teach himself the
language via a book on tape. An article in the Sun gave the top ten phrases that William
will need to get along. The first, "Hello, my name is Prince William - Jambo, jina
langu ni Prince William." That's quite a mouthful! William also spoke of his respect
for the culture of his current hosts the Scottish people. "Scottish culture is very
diverse and definitely very different." "I love Scottish dancing - it's great.
I'm hopeless at it, but I do enjoy it." Here too he mentions his family's connection
to Scotland. "My great-grandmother, the Queen Mother, was passionate about Scotland,
about Birkhall at Balmoral and about the Castle of Mey." He also appreciates the
diversity of the people he encounters at Saint Andrews. "There are so many people
here from different backgrounds. My friends are made up of all sorts of different people -
I've got lots of Scottish friends, American friends and English friends."
William occupies himself as many people his age the world over do. "I like cinemas,
bars, restaurants and lots of sport - on the beach, playing quick golf - just making use
of everything up here." It is said that he goes out in crowds to protect the young
woman he dates. For if he were in a crowd it would be very difficult for people to judge
who is with whom. When describing his room, it seemed quite typical as well. "I just
want it to be somewhere I can relax - my own space." "I've got a stereo - got to
have music - I love my music." He does have a few traits that seem a bit unusual,
like his enjoyment of food shopping. "I do a lot of shopping - I enjoy the shopping,
actually, I get very carried away, you know, just food shopping." With regard to
other household chores William admitted, "Usually you just fend for yourself."
William did address his privacy as well. "The media have been particularly good up
here and I hope that continues. It's probably because of the media's considerate attitude
that I've been able to have such a good time." And what will the future hold? "I
really haven't thought much about that. I'm really just concentrating on getting through
the next two years. I honestly haven't thought about what I'm going to do next."
It appears our William has grown into a complex young man with much more of what we want
in a royal prince than good looks, stylish dress and pleasant demeanor. He knows his own
mind and seems adept at balancing his public and private roles. He manages to get the
family behind him, which we all know is no easy feat. Not only has he received approval to
continue being know as William Wales, not take on his HRH or official duties, he has
managed to get the Windsors, the Spencers, and Camilla Parker-Bowles to agree to not only
attend his 21st birthday bash, but to come in costume. Now there is proof of his diplomacy
and his desire to do good when and where he can. Though he is not focusing on his future,
his present actions foretell of a very bright and happy one.
Happy Birthday William! I wish you all the best,
- Eileen -
Hello! It is so good to be back. If I told you of all the physical pain I
have suffered over these last months you'd be as depressed as I was getting, so I'll spare
you. Suffice it to say, I am finally better. All the doctors, surgeons, specialists,
physical therapists, etc. that I saw and what finally cured me? It is a homeopathic,
natural cure. Who'd a thunk? Anyway, I've been on a cloud and finally well enough to dig
through my mail, etc. Geraldine and I agreed that I would come back on a monthly basis and
hopefully turn that into a twice monthly column with Speakers Corner each Sunday. I am
very glad to be back and look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Eileen
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