Prince William Has Changed in One Big Way as Prince of Wales, According To Former Royal Photographer
The royal photographer expressed his views on the traits that have shaped William as a future king.
Prince William has been vocal about his detestation of paparazzi ever since his mother, Princess Diana’s tragic passing in 1997. His father, King Charles, even coaxed the young prince with a “quid pro quo” strategy to encourage his participation in press photocalls, believing, “We give them something, and they leave us alone.” It was obvious that William would shield his relationship with Kate Middleton from the media during their courtship days. However, a royal photographer has noted that William’s outlook on the constant attention has changed since he became Prince of Wales.
Arthur Edwards, while discussing his new memoir, Cup of Tea? Arthur Edwards, in The Telegraph, revealed that he first met William as an infant outside St Mary’s Hospital’s Lindo Wing. Since then, he has occasionally witnessed the young prince's journey. Edwards discussed how William's relationship with the media has significantly improved after becoming the Prince of Wales, and said, "Since he’s become the Prince of Wales, he’s become very much an established diplomat. He’s a great ambassador for the country now, and he’s grasped that brilliantly." "A long time ago, when he was growing up, I never thought he would, because he hated the media. ‘I hate those ’tographers’, he’d say.”The young Prince Harry, he suspects, “used to love it – he’d poke his tongue out at you”, the royal photographer added while drawing comparisons between William and Harry.
His recent endeavors show that William, while keeping the media at arm's length, still engages with them. The prince will be in Mumbai, India, on 17 November for the Earthshot Prize initiative. In the run-up to the event, he was recently seen promoting it with a star-studded, impromptu "Cricket on the Mall". During it, the Prince of Wales was captured happily posing for pictures and even offering to take selfies with members of the public himself. He has also participated in podcasts and made history by appearing on the Graham Norton show recently, a far cry from the image he carried as a young prince.
Emphasizing Edwards 'diplomat' remark about the future king, last week, William welcomed the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, at the Sultan's residence in London on behalf of his father, King Charles, and earned enough praise from the King at the State banquet.
The Prince of Wales also joined Their Majesties on a poignant visit to Aberfan the very next day, showcasing his dedication to royal duties while continuing community traditions.
