The Prince of Wales's exchange with Eugene Levy on Levy's Apple TV show turns out to be illuminating on multiple fronts.
It has clarified his outlook for his own time as monarch once he becomes king, reinforced how taxing family life has been for him, and offered several personal glimpses about him previously unknown.
Here are the key observations from his chat.
This Was a Unconventional Form of Conversation with Royalty
Usually, exchanges with the Royal Family occur seldom and when they do take place they are formal.
Often there will be a space in a palace, arranged with cameras and lights. The journalist will likely be an veteran reporter. There would have been months of briefing notes and talks about subject areas.
This is a tried and tested formula. Yet it's apparent this is not Prince William's style.
A key factor in his candor in this case comes from the setting and the context. He is located at Windsor Castle, he's in a comfortable setting, he's out with his canine companion, he's visiting a public house. William just appears more at ease in that setting, and converses more without restraint.
The choice of interviewer matters too. He mentioned to the performer that he was a fan and had greatly enjoyed watching the American Pie films – the teen movies starring Levy as a patient father.
Observers have shown amazement about disclosing so much to a film star rather than a more detailed interviewer.
The interview included no inquiries on his connection with his brother, Harry, nothing on his opinion of Prince Andrew's role in the royal family.
But even with those missing components, we still got something novel and insightful.
The Prince didn't falter when questioned about his kids and about what type of monarch he aspires to be. It's likely he would have likely been more reserved and uptight if it hadn't been Levy asking the questions.
William Is Set On Transformation
There has always been a sense that William has his own take on his official responsibilities. “A smaller R in royal” is how he earlier characterized it.
Yet his comments “reform is a priority” and not being “restricted” by tradition make it abundantly clear that he has a plan for monarchy that will aim forward instead of back.
Staff members assisting the prince and his family are cautious about how those words are interpreted.
A royal insider revealed: “He doesn't hesitate to ask inquiries about how and why things are done. If the answer is because that's how we've always done it then he just won't accept it.”
The Duchy of Cornwall – the wealth fund that offers an income to the royal successor – is mentioned as an case of William taking charge and conducting a thorough review in terms of how it is managed and what requires adjustment.
There has been new leadership there, a focus on philanthropic efforts and a highly participative royal figure.
A contact informed me that when he is monarch, William will be “deep in the roots of the administration of the monarchy's operations.”
Do not anticipate the major events to change dramatically. Certainly there will be a coronation. The Trooping the Colour ceremony and the Sunday memorial will remain fixed and significant parts of the monarch's calendar, and jubilees and big occasions will still be celebrated.
But William as king will have his distinct method of doing things.
He Uses an Electric Scooter at the Castle
The programme is brimming with small details about the royal – a number of which we had not heard previously.
He uses an e-scooter around the estate of the royal residence, but still describes himself as “often running behind”. His preferred beverage is a sweet cider pint.
None of his children presently own their own phone – something he mentioned he and the princess were firm on.
He was fond of dashing along the hardwood surfaces of the royal home with his relatives when he was younger seeking to escape getting splinters in his feet.
His kids now engage in similar antics but the ground has been covered with carpet, so is less perilous. His eldest son, Prince George, now is more knowledgeable regarding historical events than his father.
Additionally, he mentions his children's chosen hobbies – it is football and hockey for George, netball for Princess Charlotte, while both Charlotte and Prince Louis like bouncing on the trampoline.
“Based on my observations they're jumping up and down on the trampoline and play fighting,” notes the Prince.
Prince Harry Gets a Brief Mention
His sibling Harry, Prince Harry, gets a quick nod in the program. There aren't any direct questions about him, but the Prince brings him up in a conversation.
“I hope we don't go back to some of the practices in the past that Harry and I grew up in. And I'll do everything I can to guarantee we avoid backsliding in that situation.”
He was referring to certain tumultuous aspects of his youth and how difficult the press attention and interference had been.
The fraternal connection still remains deeply fractured following Harry's open critiques of the royal household. There appears to be no evidence of that shifting right now.
Still, it is notable to hear William just speak his sibling's name publicly.
The Stress of The Princess's Condition Is Clear
Prince William has spoken about the stress of having both his wife and father sick a multiple occasions over the recent period.
He addresses directly {discussing it again
