Queen Elizabeth once feared that William would become a selfish king.

A new book reveals that Queen Elizabeth II was concerned her grandson, Prince William, could become 'a selfish king rather than uphold the traditional British royal style.

According to an excerpt from the book The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty of Secrets, Scandal and Survival by author Robert Jobson, published exclusively by Daily Mail , Queen Elizabeth II has repeatedly felt uncomfortable with William's rigid personality, which she believes could cause him to lose the softness and flexibility needed for a king.

William - devoted father or model public prince?

In July 2022, when she turns 96, Queen Elizabeth II was due to attend the opening of the Thames Hospice in Berkshire, an event that held special significance for her. However, on the day of the ceremony, she felt unwell and asked William to attend on her behalf.

Although his schedule could have been adjusted, William refused, citing his child-rearing obligations. This left the Queen not only disappointed but also angry. According to author Robert Jobson, she cryptically said: "Isn't that what nannies and security do?"

Not wanting to disappoint anyone, she still decided to attend with Princess Anne. This became her last event in the UK, before passing away on September 8, 2022.

For the late Queen, Prince William's choice to put his family before his royal duties was a selfish one.

Photo: PA Wire

The incident clearly shows that William's priority is his family. In 2022, he only performed 190 royal duties, much less than King Charles' 497. During the period when his wife, Princess Kate, was being treated for cancer, William even asked to reduce his work schedule to just 10 duties for the rest of 2024, but this request was rejected by King Charles with the reminder: "Please think again".

According to Prince Harry and Meghan's former press secretary - Jason Knauf, neither William nor Kate is interested in fame or popularity. He believes they just want to do their jobs well for the right reasons, not for the limelight.

Queen Elizabeth II in her final appearance at an event in the UK before her death in 2022

Photo: PA Wire

William has long expressed his desire to spend more time with his family. In a 2018 BBC interview, he admitted that he wanted to achieve a work-life balance that his father, King Charles, rarely achieved.

Former royal correspondent Jennie Bond said William has a very different approach to previous generations, prioritizing weekends and holidays for his wife and children. "He's not a workaholic like King Charles. He understands the value of family and is a really dedicated father," she said.

After Kate went public with her cancer, William became even closer to his children. He often picked them up from school and took time off from work to be with his family. In an interview with actor Eugene Levy, William also revealed that his children were not allowed to have mobile phones and that family dinners were a must.

Prince William and Princess Kate always promote family values ​​in every decision.

Photo: PA Wire

"The most important thing to me is family. If children don't grow up in a happy, stable environment, they will have difficulty when they grow up," William said.

Amidst a time of turmoil in the royal family, Prince William is expected to be a role model for the new generation - a king who is both devoted to the royal family and attached to his family.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nu-hoang-elizabeth-tung-lo-ngai-william-se-tro-thanh-vi-vua-ich-ky-185251112125345364.htm