Prince William has spent the past four days in Cape Town, South Africa, on a tour to promote his Earthshot prize and his time in the region has seen him emerge into a different role according to commentators
Prince William reportedly sees himself in a “new role” as he edges towards his future as the next King following a successful trip to South Africa. The heir to the throne has been undertaking duties on a four-day trip to Cape Town where he has been promoting his Earthshot prize.
According to Daily Mirror’s Royal editor Russell Myers, this visit has seen the heir to the throne emerge into a different role, specifically that as a statesman, as he balanced visiting politicians with interacting with young people. Speaking on the Pod Save The King podcast, Russell said William was “almost emerging into a different role” and that alongside playing rugby with young people he had been “mixing with the entrepreneurs”.
Russell added: “Interestingly we saw him meeting President Sil Ramafosa and that gives you an indication I think of how William sees himself as this statesman.
“He’s edging towards the top job no doubt he’s not waiting in the wings to take over the top job as it were but I definitely think there is room for William to be aligned with ‘Brand Britain’.”
During the course of his trip to the region, he has opened up about his tough 2024 which has seen both his wife Princess Kate and his father King Charles receive cancer diagnoses. Just how open the heir to the throne has been has surprised commentators alike.
Russell’s podcast guest, photographer Ian Vogler, commented: “It’s probably the most honest and open interview we’ve ever had from a Prince of Wales as we know him now. I don’t recall him ever being this honest and open.”
In a series of statements to the British press, Prince William described this year as “brutal” and “incredibly tough”.
He elaborated: “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal, reports CambridgeLive.
Echoing William’s sentiments, Kate Middleton, who recently finished her chemotherapy treatment, stated: “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”.