Prince William Reflects on Bond With Queen Elizabeth

Prince William said he wasn’t “very close” to Queen Elizabeth while growing up because their relationship was initially “quite formal” due to generational differences, but it “got warmer and warmer” as they and he grew older and was at its best when the Queen and Prince Philip were in their 80s and more relaxed, producing warm family moments including laughs with Philip and visits to Balmoral. Speaking on Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, William praised Philip’s humour and called the Queen an extraordinary leader, and said he will honour her memory by supporting his father. On the prospect of becoming king he said he doesn’t feel “too overwhelmed” now, as time and age have helped him feel more settled and able to take on the role. He also reflected on lessons from his parents’ marriage and said he hopes to avoid the same “mistakes” in his own marriage to Kate Middleton.