EXCLUSIVE: Queen Elizabeth Went to Her Grave Fearing William Would Be a 'Celebrity Monarch' and 'Lazy King'
The late Queen Elizabeth harbored concerns that her grandson, Prince William, might become a celebrity-style monarch rather than a committed sovereign. According to royal biographer Robert Jobson in his upcoming book The Windsor Legacy, the Queen feared William could prioritize fame over his royal responsibilities.
Jobson reveals that the Queen, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, privately worried that William, 43, might let modern popularity and the trappings of celebrity overshadow his sense of duty. Her concerns reflected her lifelong belief that service must always come before self.
"Although she loved William and saw much to admire, she told insiders that she feared he might become a 'celebrity monarch' rather than a dedicated one."
These doubts grew from various incidents during her final years, including times when she felt the Prince of Wales was "too rigid" and not fully prepared for the unending pressures of kingship.
Specific Incident Highlighted
In July 2022, the frail Queen, increasingly dependent on walking sticks, was scheduled to open a new 29-bed facility at Thames Hospice near Windsor. This was a meaningful engagement due to her personal connection with a retiring staff member who had cared for the Royal Aviary birds.
When the Queen asked William to represent her at the event, he declined, citing family commitments, which contributed to her concerns about his readiness.
Key Points
- The Queen's worries were based on her belief in duty over fame.
- William was perceived as potentially prioritizing celebrity status.
- Moments of perceived unpreparedness added to her anxiety.
- A specific instance was his refusal to attend an important hospice opening.
Author's Summary: Queen Elizabeth privately feared Prince William might choose celebrity over duty as king, emphasizing her belief that true monarchs must prioritize service above all.