UK Politician Reveals the Big Changes in 'Self-Possessed' William After He Became the Prince of Wales
Former Environment Secretary Michael Gove, who worked closely with the Prince, claims he has grown in 'confidence' after inheriting the title.
It was a special yet bittersweet moment for Prince William when he inherited the title of Prince of Wales from King Charles following Queen Elizabeth’s death in September 2022. Since then, the Prince has lived up to the prestigious title through numerous engagements and charitable initiatives, reinforcing his role as heir to the throne. Commenting on this transition, former Environment Secretary Michael Gove noted that William has demonstrated more 'authority' and 'confidence' since being the Duke of Cambridge to the Prince of Wales.
Gove and William have collaborated on multiple environmental causes and even participated in a government conference addressing the illegal wildlife trade in 2018. As reported by OK! magazine, reflecting on a 2022 encounter, Gove revealed, "I was asked to see William because he wanted to do everything he could to support the summit. He had a pretty detailed knowledge of the challenges, I was impressed," as quoted in Valentine Low's book, Power and the Palace. Gove, then Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, was among the politicians William had reportedly sought advice from.
Gove continued, "When I met him for the illegal wildlife trade, he was charming and quite self-possessed. But it was more by way of, 'What can I do to help?' As Prince of Wales, it was more, 'These are my plans.'" He added, "And while at certain points he deferred to members of his team, it was clear he was chairman of the board. You could sense he had grown in authority and confidence." As per the Daily Express, the Prince of Wales and the politician first collaborated in 2014 when William launched the United for Wildlife initiative under the Royal Foundation to combat illegal wildlife trade. Gove, as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, supported this initiative, aligning government efforts with royal advocacy.
As for the Prince of Wales, he has done justice to his father's former title by standing also for the King at state events and international trips. Since then, his public agenda has similarly expanded, championing causes such as conservation, mental health, and homelessness at state functions and international trips. Alongside Kate Middleton, who became Princess of Wales, the couple reportedly took on fresh offices, personnel, and ceremonial obligations, alongside patronages formerly linked with Charles's position as Prince of Wales. They are also in support of modernizing the monarchy, distancing themselves from its traditions, pomp, and pageantry.
The title of Prince of Wales is conferred by the reigning monarch on the heir apparent to the throne. It dates back to 1284, when King Edward I invested his son Edward II as the first English Prince of Wales. In Scotland, William is known as Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Lord of the Isles, and Baron of Renfrew. Following the Queen’s passing, he also became Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester. Additionally, according to GB News, in May, William was named Great Master of the Order, a title previously held by Charles in 1975.
