ORover 50 investitures at Windsor and a Royal reception. Yesterday, Prince William’s return to court It couldn’t have been more challenging. The heir to the throne of England he left Kate at home, still recovering after the mysterious abdominal surgery he underwent in January, to do taking over from his father, King Charles. And unlike his brother, who fails to make it in Los Angeles, William already has Hollywood friends. And he immediately invited one to court.
William, vicar king with the help of a friend, Tom Cruise
While Harry, snubbed by friends and relatives, returned to California after a fleeting visit to London, with a meeting of just 45 minutes with his father and a humiliating stay in a hotel, William resumed his Royal duties, playing a leading role in court.
And almost to spite his brother, who is unable to make himself popular in Hollywood, William immediately revealed his trump card to a reception for British ambulance staffwhich took place last night in London: Tom Cruise greeted him enthusiastically upon his arrivalone of his mother Diana’s favorite actors.
William spares no witty jokes
In a speech delivered during the evening, William thanked the audience for the many messages of good wishes and affection sent to his family. «We are very grateful to you» said the prince with a touch of emotion, who then joked: «These weeks have all been aboutThe sign of medicine for my familyso I thought I’d distract myself for a moment by taking part in… a reception for ambulances!
William greets Tom Cruise at the London Air Ambulance reception, London 7 February 2024 (Getty Images)
Prince William to Tom Cruise: «Please leave our helicopters alone!»
As a true fan of Mission Impossible, the prince couldn’t resist the temptation to make fun of Tom Cruise, begging him not to put himself at the controls of a British ambulance service helicopter: «We’ve all seen it on our screens that… how can I say it… you have a slightly different idea of how to use things without damaging them…».
Prince William, “regent” in spite of himself
Now that the father Carlo has started treatment for the tumor just diagnosed and is resting at Sandringham in the company of Queen Camilla, the eldest son must rtake over most of his roles at court. And a few hours earlier he had replaced the king in all respects during a ceremony in Windsor Castle, which saw him carry out more than 50 important investitures.
Prince William is preparing for a possible abdication
The two Royal engagements yesterday only a first glimpse of how the prince’s life has changed suddenly now that the father is forced to temporarily withdraw from public life. At Buckingham Palace they have already prepared a program for the whole year, including official trips abroad that the king was supposed to make. Is the 75-year-old Carlo perhaps preparing to abdicate? It is a possibility that no one in Great Britain now feels like ruling out.
William and Kate with Tom Cruise at the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick” in London, May 2022 (Getty Images)
William, “king” without a tie
Respectful of the monarchical institution and all its traditions, William also supports numerous reforms and the broadcaster’s Royal Watchers BBC they pointed out how, in the role of Prince of Wales, the Prince has already proven himself a rather informal Windsor, at ease in both ceremonial and more casual clothes. And it’s much more like Diana, always willing to get closer to the public, proving available and approachable.
Does the throne come too soon for William?
William will certainly be a different monarch from Charles and Elizabeth. But they admit at court: 41-year-old William would have preferred to stay Prince of Wales a little longer to continue dedicating himself to his family. A desire that now, forced to assume a role of almost “regent”, he will have to put aside, perhaps forever.
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