The Queen and Prince William have a particularly strong bond, and now one of the reasons why they are close has come to light. It’s been revealed that Her Majesty played a key role in getting William through a very difficult time in his life, and without her intervention, he may have been headed for a breakdown.
The concerned grandmother could see that William was struggling after his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, separated in 1992. Aged just 10 at the time, the heir to the throne was devastated by the split and felt caught between his parents, and over the next few years the stress started to take a toll. It reached a point where the Queen decided she had to step in, says royal author Robert Lacey.
“It was then three years after his parents’ separation – just two years before Diana’s death – and the Queen was worried about William’s state of mind,” says Robert in his new book, Battle of Brothers: William and Harry – The Inisde Story of a Family in Tumult.
“The Queen actually feared that the boy might be heading for some sort of breakdown, she confided to one of her advisors – just as the prince’s mother herself had clearly cracked mentally in several respects.”
William’s grandfather, Prince Philip, also thought his grandson needed support. He encouraged the Queen to “try to get closer to this particular boy – who was not just her fragile grandson, but a future inheritor of her crown”.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK