[Vanishing Lady]

Originally Posted by CasiraghiTrio

I am not sure you are accurate about his cynicism about psychology or psychiatry. I don't know how you come to this idea. Will you elaborate by explaining how you came to this assessment? I'm curious to know because I never had this impression about him. He was raised by a father who is very much one to encourage healthy lifestyles, from the most healthy diets to alternative remedies, and even Eastern therapies and ideas. I think William's father is an extraordinarily open-minded person, but do you suppose William is cynical about these kinds of things?

Sure. I'll try to expand. I wasn't saying that the royals and especially the Prince and Princess of Wales don't/didn't encourage healthy lifestyles, but that some more traditional types may frown upon the trappings of psychological treatment.

I was thinking more of the people who surround William in his capacity as a member of the royal family, that they may look upon his getting a psychiatrist or psychological help. I know the "stiff upper lip" attitude in Britain has changed to an extent, but I think that there might be some traditionalists who may frown upon that sort of thing. I didn't mention how the PoW would feel about his son going to a therapist or psychiatrist, because I took it as a given (and that it was general knowledge here) that he wouldn't have a problem with it. However, the more senior members (The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, etc) might have something to say about it. Yes, I know William is an adult, and he's Charles' son, but we know how much influence Charles' parents can wield in family situations.

I think William observed the seeming parade of psychiatrists, therapists (official and unofficial), psychics, and other mind-body practitioners for his mother as a child and adolescent and saw that fundamentally they didn't seem to help her. Some of the responsibility can be placed with Diana (you can't get better unless you really want to and put forth some effort), but in William's subjective eyes they didn't help and could have possibly taken advantage of her vulnerability to get what they want or be able to brag that they were treating the Princess of Wales. He could be cynical about that, or just extremely wary. Or he isn't ready to deal with his emotions yet.

He could also be in denial...telling himself that the reason he is acting out or behaving like a wide boy is something unrelated to the inquest.

All conjecture, of course, but that's what I was getting at.