How Prince William changed after becoming the Prince of Wales

Prince William’s demeanour has noticeably shifted since he became heir to the throne, according to former politician Michael Gove. 

The 43-year-old Prince of Wales inherited the title from King Charles the day after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022, and with it, a new sense of authority.

Reflecting on his interactions with William, Gove recalled meeting him in 2018 during a government conference on illegal wildlife trade. 

At the time, William was the Duke of Cambridge and, while self-assured, often positioned himself as a supporter. 

“It was more by way of, ‘What can I do to help?’” Gove said.

But since becoming Prince of Wales, the shift has been clear. “It was more, ‘These are my plans.’ And while at certain points he deferred to members of his team, it was clear he was chairman of the board. You could sense he had grown in authority and confidence,” Gove told The Times in excerpts from Valentine Low’s new book Power and the Palace.

Alongside Princess Kate, William has also embraced expanded royal duties, patronages, and offices tied to his new role. 

The couple currently live in Windsor and are preparing to relocate to Forest Lodge later this year.

RELATED: King Charles could tempt Prince Harry back with flexible royal role