When we think of Prince William, many picture an impeccable figure: serious, sober, and destined to inherit the crown with discipline and composure. However, recent testimonies and revelations from historian Robert Lacey in his book Battle of Brothers reveal a much more human and complex portrait. What discoveries have sparked the debate? Here, we tell you in detail, with verification and without sensationalism.
what really happened behind the protocol
Biographer Robert Lacey, consultant for the series The Crown, describes episodes of intense emotion and visceral reactions from the prince at key moments in his family life. One of the most striking occurs after Lady Di's historic interview in 1995, where William, still a teenager, reportedly shouted at and pushed his mother after becoming emotionally overwhelmed, according to the author.
In addition, tense situations during his father's 2005 wedding to Camilla are revealed. There, William showed visible irritation: Lacey points out that his temper was put to the test, generating scenes of "royal frustration" when he expected everything to go according to his expectations.
brothers in tension: parties, drugs, and hidden blame
Lacey also notes that William was not only a witness but a facilitator of Harry's first forays into parties with alcohol and drugs during their years at Eton. Furthermore, William was present when his brother chose the controversial Nazi costume in 2005. Harry felt overshadowed and blamed alone, triggering a rift that lasted for years.
In fact, reports point to a palpable distancing: after the costume incident, "an important 'they don't speak to each other' settled between them," according to Lacey.
official reactions, significant silences
So far, the British royal house hasn't issued public statements about these revelations. According to sources from the Daily Mail and Vanity Fair, Lacey has the support of palace staff and those close to Camilla and Charles, which lends credibility to the testimonies.
On social media and in specialized circles, people speak of "notorious fits of anger" from William, fueled by persistent dissatisfaction toward his father and Camilla. Moreover, Camilla herself supposedly admitted to being "horrified" by the intensity of his reactions.
emotional context
This isn't about painting William as impulsive without cause. His childhood and the vivid pain after Lady Di's death left the brothers with deep wounds. In addition, the contrast with Harry and the pressure to keep a perfect public image seem to have been emotional triggers.
These accounts also help us understand the complexity of the Windsor family: not everything is neat and ceremonial, but rather a web of intense emotions, rivalries, and old resentments.
William, removed from the role of brother protected by the media, may now appear with imperfect traits. The reader needs to know these facets to understand the real complexity of his future reign.
what does this mean for the future monarch?
The revelation of this emotional and explosive side of William adds human texture to a figure who has always been marked by the austerity of his status. In his reign, he will face the task of balancing that passionate character with the prudence required by the Crown. Will this be an impediment or an opportunity to connect with the people?
Many questions remain: how will William respond to the demands for emotional transparency? Can these internal tensions be transformed into public empathy? For now, the story is just beginning to unfold. Do you think this more intense profile of the prince will resonate with British hearts?