Why Prince William is the royal everyman
New father, celebrity, ex-soldier, polo player, selfie-taker.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, is fast earning himself the oxymoronic title of ‘the world’s most relatable royal’.
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In the past week alone, he’s taken a commercial flight to meet President Barack Obama, been caught checking out an NBA cheerleader and offered his help to a struggling Brooklyn performer.
The 32-year-old prince may even be challenging the popularity of his notoriously charming younger brother, Harry.
While Harry is the cool kid and class clown of Britain, William’s appeal is slightly more relatable.
In his short life, he’s already had to navigate the loss of his mother, Diana, his ‘wedding of the century’ with ‘commoner’ Kate Middleton, parenthood, and the ever increasing likelihood that he will soon be the King of England.
With all this in mind, his slip-ups have always been dorky, never scandalous.
In fact, William has achieved something his father, brother and uncle have failed to – treading that middle ground between out-of-touch authority figure and consummate playboy.
Despite being privately educated and raised – quite literally – with a silver spoon in his mouth, his pursuits are decidedly, well, boring.
He has been open about his love for Playstation and Ninja Turtles, his nerves about marriage and fatherhood, and his healthy rivalry with Harry.
But the recent revelation that he sent a handwritten letter to the family of a nurse who committed suicide proves something else; William is a leader who takes his job, and his influence, very seriously.
Here are the five times William proved he’s just like us.
1. When he flew economy
When it comes to air travel, William prefers to be wedged between the cramped seats of an economy cabin, rather than luxuriating in the spaciousness of a private jet.
In May this year, his recognisable head was snapped peeping between the seats of economy class by fellow passenger US television reporter Eli Ross.
“I am still amazed #Prince William flies COACH. That’s pretty humble/awesome. Who knew?” Ross tweeted.
2. When he put his newborn son in a carseat and drove him home from the hospital
The eyes of the world were on his family, but that didn’t stop the brand new dad from taking a do-it-yourself approach to parenting right from the get-go.
William brought his already-famous newborn out of the hospital in a car seat, positioned him neatly in the backseat and then took the wheel to drive his small family home.
3. When he looked incredibly dorky in a snorkel mask
Evidence that no one – not even a famous prince – can make underwater wear look good.
4. When he awkwardly sang karaoke with Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift
When Jon Bon Jovi calls, you answer. Even if you’re a royal.
“Just maybe, the karaoke kid could come up and sing a couple of words,” the rocker said at a charity event earlier this year.
One of the more awkward renditions of ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ ensued, with William bopping uncomfortably along to the guitar and glancing desperately at Taylor Swift for guidance.
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5. When he started going bald
He probably has the money to fix it, but kudos to William for wholeheartedly embracing his hair loss which, unfortunately, began in his early 20s.