Prince William's 'realization' over the one thing he 'can't get away with' - but the Queen can

The Duke of Cambridge reportedly can’t come across in this way like the Queen can because he’s been ‘brought up very differently’ to her…

Prince William's 'realization' revealed, seen here side by side with the Queen at different events
(Image credit: Future// Image 1: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images// Image 2: Photo by Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince William has reportedly "realized" the one thing the he and other royals "can’t get away with" unlike the Queen, according to a former royal butler. 


The extended Royal Family has long been surrounded by speculation regarding reported protocols and traditions that guide how they conduct royal engagements. Those high up in the royal line of succession like Prince William are more regularly glimpsed at everything from UK visits to overseas tours and engagements giving important speeches. In recent months the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been observed stepping up and taking on an even more prominent role in royal life as they prepare for their future roles as King and Queen Consort

However, despite his important position within the Royal Family, it’s been claimed that Prince William has “realized” there’s one thing he “can’t get away with” - but the Queen can!

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince Louis of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge stand on the balcony during the Platinum Pageant

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Opening up to OK!, former royal butler Grant Harrold expressed his belief that the younger generation of royals like the Queen’s grandchildren, including Prince William, might have come to a surprising conclusion about their behavior. 

Discussing the recent moment surrounding Prince William’s private words of encouragement as he hugged many of the Team England players at the Women’s Euros 2022 final, Grant speculated that this could be Prince William ‘deliberately’ breaking a rule. Whilst some might consider hugging the team members a departure from protocol, the former butler claimed the younger royals can’t be “aloof”. 

“I think William and the other younger royals have realized that they can’t get away with being aloof,” he alleged, before going on to suggest that this isn't the case for the Queen. 

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge congratulates Jill Scott of England following the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 final match

(Image credit: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Grant continued, “The Queen can get away with it because she’s the Queen and she’s from a different era, but the younger royals have been brought up very differently.”

Despite the unofficial royal motto of ‘Never Complain, Never Explain’, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in particular have been seen moving away from this more stoic approach at public engagements. 

Earlier this year during a visit to Scotland, Prince William’s hug with an elderly man left fans overwhelmed and he and the Duchess were also spotted seemingly taking part in a selfie. They also did this during their Caribbean Tour, with Prince William and Kate’s real reaction reportedly showing how “comfortable” they were.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meet members of the public during a visit to the Wheatley Group in Glasgow

(Image credit: Photo Andrew Milligan - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

It’s even recently been alleged that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are reportedly happy to be addressed by their first names rather than their titles at public engagements. Whether or not this does turn out to be correct, both Prince William and Kate Middleton seem to have been taking a more personal approach to public engagements in recent months.

Not only does this resonate with fans, it could also be seen to show a deviation from the more formal approach taken by royals in the past. Having apparently "realized" what might be expected of him, Prince William certainly looks to be embracing a more modern perspective as he prepares for his future role as King.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!