Direct heir to the British Crown, Prince William has evolved since childhood in the perspective of a destiny: that of future king of the United Kingdom. Eldest son of King Charles III, he grew up under the gaze of the public and institutions, gradually playing an increasingly central role within the monarchy. Often presented as the good student of the royal family, he has built an image of seriousness and stability, consistent with the expectations linked to his position.
Today, married to Kate Middleton, now Princess of Waleshe is also the father of three children, George, Charlotte and Louiswith whom he forms one of the most exposed families of the British monarchy. But outside of this very institutional framework, he also allows himself simpler moments of life, far from protocol, alongside his closest friends.
A group of loyal friends around Prince William
It is within his circle of closest friends that Prince William would find his main moments of decompression, far from protocol, according to the Daily Mail. This very restricted group, described as a “group of loyal friends“, includes in particular Edward Van Cutsem, godson of King Charles III, Thomas Van Straubenzee, godfather of Princess Charlotte, and Ben Dawes, manager in the wine sector. Together, they would form a trusted entourage essential to the balance of the Prince of Wales.
During these private meetings, a rule would apply: not mentioning Crown affairs. In this informal setting, William and his loved ones favored simplicity. On the program: casual barbecues, evenings around wine and beer, but also outings to discreet pubs in west London. The prince would particularly appreciate these places away from the hustle and bustle, where he could drink a pint of Stella Artois in a more relaxed atmosphere. Even more surprising, these habits would continue during of their escapades abroad, particularly skiing. During these annual stays, the Prince of Wales would sometimes adopt stratagems to go incognito, by changing his appearance and by adopting a Welsh accent”approximate“ in order to cover their tracks and enjoy their outings without attracting attention.
Supporter passionné d’Aston Villa
This more spontaneous side of Prince William is also found in his passion for football, and in particular for the Aston Villa clubwhich he has followed since adolescence. On May 20, in Istanbul, during the UEFA Europa League final won by his team against SC Friborg (3-0), the Prince of Wales was particularly expressive in the stands.
Surrounded by loved ones, he celebrated his team’s goals with enthusiasm, between shouts, applause and strong emotion, until tears at the final whistle. At his side, his friend Edward Van Cutsem shared this outpouring of joy in a moment of complicity very far from royal protocol.
