How should Prince William spend the next few years?

[Elspeth]

Just a reminder that this thread isn't for comparisons between William and other crown princes (and princesses).

Thanks.

Elspeth

British Royals moderator

[PadThaiPrincess]

Prince Charles has said something to the effect that he lives his life not as the future King but as the Prince of right now and I think that's perfect advice for William. The monarchs of England are notoriously long lived and it will be some time before William takes the throne or even becomes the Prince of Wales. He can afford a bit of breathing room for travel, study and self exploration.

[ysbel]

As a point of reference, what were the plans for Queen Victoria's grandsons and heirs when they came of age? All I know is that she tried to marry the Duke of Clarence to Mary of Teck and then when he died at a young age, she married off the second son George to Mary.

That's the only training I remember they had which is not much training at all. Is that correct?

Other than that George had a Navy career but that was before he became heir.

[Skydragon]

I had a think about this, after all others leave the army after serving as officers.... He could work in security, but that would mean the security man had a security man, mmm
Work in the city, possibly at Coutts as a cashier, but where to put his security man.
I can't see him working in insurance, being a civil servant could also have it's problems... how easy would it have been to blame him for losing those discs?

Perhaps he should continue as he is doing, he has an exciting time coming up in the airforce and navy. Further time to serve in the army, training as an estate manager at Windsor.

He may be getting on, but apart from the occasional lapse with the booze, I don't think there is much different he could do.

[Elspeth]

Originally Posted by ysbel

As a point of reference, what were the plans for Queen Victoria's grandsons and heirs when they came of age? All I know is that she tried to marry the Duke of Clarence to Mary of Teck and then when he died at a young age, she married off the second son George to Mary.

That's the only training I remember they had which is not much training at all. Is that correct?

Other than that George had a Navy career but that was before he became heir.

I think with both the Duke of Clarence and the future Edward VIII, their training consisted largely of travels around the Commonwealth to get an idea of how the Commonwealth countries were being administered. Since the Duke of Clarence was so rootless and lethargic, his younger brother accompanied him on his travels; in the case of Edward Prince of Wales, he went off on his own while his younger brother Bertie concentrated on his naval career and then on doing royal duties in Britain after his marriage.

[Roderick]

Originally Posted by Elspeth

I think with both the Duke of Clarence and the future Edward VIII, their training consisted largely of travels around the Commonwealth to get an idea of how the Commonwealth countries were being administered. Since the Duke of Clarence was so rootless and lethargic, his younger brother accompanied him on his travels; in the case of Edward Prince of Wales, he went off on his own while his younger brother Bertie concentrated on his naval career and then on doing royal duties in Britain after his marriage.

Before the Duke of Clarence's betrothal to Princess May of Teck in late 1891 Queen Victoria wanted him to go on an extensive tour of European courts to familiarize him with their customs, languages and the countries themselves. She considered the Duke and his younger brother Prince George `too English` and was not happy that they failed to speak foreign languages, particularly French and German adequately. She wanted the Duke to become `more cosmopolitan`. Her plans were vetoed by the Duke's parents the Prince and Princess of Wales who chose instead that he become engaged to Princess May with marriage to follow in early 1892.

[ysbel]

Interesting, Roderick. Edward, Prince of Wales, had started his adulthood by a trip to Canada and the United States. Interesting that Victoria was thinking of something similar for her grandsons.

[Harry's polo shirt]

I think he should take another trip to the USA! I also would love to see him flying a plane and rescuing people. Like he said that he wanted to do in the interview.

[pinkie40]

I see Prince William wanting a much more gritty experience rather than all suited up shaking hands of dignitaries of the Commonwealth for a nice photo op.. I envision Prince William wanting to tackle the more riveting and painful of the true human experience of his future subjects all over the Commonwealth....He confounds those advisors who want him to be a clone of his father....I assume!

I see William being a humanitarian rather than soldier and using his military training to become a peacemaker/diplomat rather than warrior prince... He might just be the one future leader who has all the answers and can bridge the huge gap of the "haves" and the "have nots".

I am sure he would love to get out in the world and do all sorts of things but his personality sometimes superseeds the popularity of his father's. So there is this delicate balance of making sure Prince Charles is promoted as "King in waiting". I would assume Prince William is doing an awful lot of good things behind the scenes that is rarely reported....He is the star, the hope, the future...

[wbenson]

It wouldn't surprise me if he studied business (although, maybe it would surprise me if he went back to school), but it would surprise me if he did it in the US. He would more than likely do it in the UK or in another Commonwealth Realm if he did.

[lyndaW]

Personaly I think he should be trained as a Diplomat (that could and would) come in handy as the years go by. Get a taste of other Countries and how to handle himself around other World Leaders. Although I don't think Kate would be an asset on the world stage. Most important get him away from his small circle of clubbing friends and out in the real world.

[friendroyal]

He needs to do more royal duties,and less holiday's with little miss muffet who sat on her tuffet.

[lumutqueen]

Originally Posted by friendroyal

He needs to do more royal duties,and less holiday's with little miss muffet who sat on her tuffet.

I think your right.
I understand that he's doing miltary training and stuff but shouldn't he occasionally do a engagement or some kind or even attend a state dinner. Because hows he going to react when he's out of military training and he has 3 or 4 engagements a day even??
And yeash your rite friendroyal he's been spending too much time of holiday with Kate, i understand that they haven't seen each other for a while but she must understand that this is for his 'career'. ???
I would understand wouldn' you?
x

[laduchesse]

I think it would be an asset if Prince William in future years had some training related to foreign affairs as well as commerce. It would be good to see him accompany the Queen or Prince Charles on visits to other countries. I'd like to see the Prince participate in state visits to Britain, including state banquets, in the next few years too.

[rmay286]

What I kind of fear for William is that he's being encouraged, even if indirectly, to lead a sort of aimless life. I think if I knew I'd have to wait a possible thirty or forty years for my "real job", it would put a damper on any motivation I had. It's an inevitable problem with being the son of the Prince of Wales, I guess. The best he can do to prepare for his job as king is to get all kinds of diverse "experiences" and that's not really quite the same as steady work, in my mind--not necessarily too productive.

At one time I agreed with everyone who said, "William's still young", but now I'm thinking, he's almost 26. He's not that young anymore. But whenever I see interviews with him, he comes across as this breezy, carefree, almost childish young man. I haven't seen evidence of a whole lot of maturity, thoughtfulness or direction. I like William. I'm just not sure he has any real passion or goal in life to motivate him, and I don't think this is ever a good thing.

[luisa12]

I think he could continue with the military training because it's interesting for his future hole as king, but not to go to the war, like prince harry, it's so dangerous. but I don't know if he could be frustrated cause he knows he can't do what he wants like normal people can. he was born for a hole, a duty and now he has to play it. I think he should marry with Kate after the end of his military training (RAF and navy) and maybe go to the university to study something like laws, politic or economics, it could be important for his future hole as king. but I don't really know what his interests now.

[kpusa1981]

I now his is his father or the Queen may want him to him to get full time Royal Duties as soon as possible at 25 but I would thought that they planned so he had more time with each service. He should have had at least three years with the Army which might meant that he could have done arould six months with each the RAF and the Royal Navy. That mean finishing Dec/Jan 2009/2010 instead of Dec/Jan 2008/2009.
Did just haveitroyble laying anchor with th Maul? Is that reall y that big a deal except that he has buy every one beer.

[Jo of Palatine]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

Generations of his family have served in the Royal Navy with distinction, so Prince William was no doubt anxious to impress on his big day.

Unfortunately, Sub-Lieutenant Wales found his first forays on the water anything but plain sailing.

Royal Navy rite of passage that left Prince William all at sea | Mail Online

Well, prince Philip became a full-fledged Navy-officer in wartimes and the mother of Charles and Andrew owned a big yacht where the boys could learn from their father or the staff how life on a big vessel works. Poor William only has known fun yachts like the Jonikal and I doubt they showed him how to do things there on board.

Such a pity! The next-in-line of another country bordering on the North Sea, Frederick of Denmark, had obviously a different upbringing and a different career in the Navy which makes for an impressive point in his CV, but then his family still has their yacht and I doubt his son will one day be as clueless as William obviously was in certain points.

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by ghost_night554

I'm not directing this at anyone here specifically but in general I feel like lately no matter what Prince William does he's criticized I mean give him a break, I don't know about everyone else but I wouldn't judge him based on what happened with his training, but maybe that's just me.

You perhaps have to realise that in today's world, there is no such thing as unquestioned loyalty just because he is a 'royal'. Many are beginning to ask whether they are worth the 62p taxpayers put towards their upkeep. I do think William and Harry need to look at their PR team, the public are not stupid and can see through some of the pathetic excuses made for bad judgment.

I happen to like William and Harry, but perhaps it is time for a little honesty and integrity from their 'team'. Stop using the forces limited resources to satisfy personal ambitions and put their hands in their own pockets, millions do!

[muriel]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

You perhaps have to realise that in today's world, there is no such thing as unquestioned loyalty just because he is a 'royal'. Many are beginning to ask whether they are worth the 62p taxpayers put towards their upkeep. I do think William and Harry need to look at their PR team, the public are not stupid and can see through some of the pathetic excuses made for bad judgment.

I happen to like William and Harry, but perhaps it is time for a little honesty and integrity from their 'team'. Stop using the forces limited resources to satisfy personal ambitions and put their hands in their own pockets, millions do!

I think Skydragon's comments are quite unwarranted. I do not believe William has ever put a step out of place in public, barring some disparate views in relation to his helicopter training (the facts for which have not been publicly disclosed). He is working hard on his military training, and is managing to undertake some public engagements and charity work in parallel. What more can be reasonably expected from him? He is not going to have a "normal" military career because that is not what his life is about. Due credit to Charles (and Diana) for bringing up a normal, well grounded individual in not very normal surroundings!

"perhaps it is time for a little honesty and integrity from their 'team'" - Not sure what brought that on? Are you suggesting that Clarence House has been lying or misleading on behalf of William?