The Prince of Wales has guest-edited the latest edition of Country Life magazine, following in the footsteps of his father, the King, and other family members. Prince William will share unique insights into his public role and the more personal aspects of his life, including his fondness for an occasional visit to the pub for a pint of cider with ice.
The Prince has spent the past six months working with the weekly publication, which celebrates rural life, to create his 300-page commemorative issue, which will be published next week.
Royal Support for the Countryside
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: "The Prince of Wales has a longstanding passion for the countryside and the vital role it plays in the nation's life, culture and wellbeing. His guest editorship of Country Life reflects a desire to celebrate the people, places and innovative stewardship helping to secure its future for generations to come."
This marks the first time William has stepped into the role of a guest editor. However, he is following in the footsteps of his father, the King, who did so for his 65th and 70th birthdays; his stepmother, the Queen, for her 75th birthday in 2022; and his aunt, the Princess Royal, for her 70th birthday in 2020.
Behind the Scenes at Windsor
William was photographed meeting with Mark Hedges, Country Life's editor-in-chief, and managing editor Paula Minchin last month at Windsor to preview the drafts of the magazine and examine the proofs and layout.
The Prince will also feature as the cover star for the special edition on November 11. Mr Hedges previously described the heir to the throne as a "passionate countryman" when his role as guest editor was announced in June.
William's Countryside Ties
William inherited the Duchy of Cornwall landed estate, which spans 128,000 acres across 19 counties, when his father became King; the profits fund the activities of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children. As well as Forest Lodge, a home on the Windsor Estate, he also has a countryside retreat, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.
Former England captain and gardening enthusiast Sir David Beckham also oversaw an edition in October last year. Queen Camilla's guest edition in 2022 to mark her 75th birthday was the biggest-selling issue of all time, with the front cover picture of the then-Duchess of Cornwall, now Queen Camilla, taken by the now-Princess of Wales.
The King, then the Prince of Wales, twice guest-edited Country Life, firstly for his 65th birthday in November 2013, and then for his 70th in 2018. In 2020, the Princess Royal guest-edited an edition for her 70th birthday.
