As Prince William approaches his 44th birthday this weekend, a former royal gardener has offered a rare glimpse into his younger years. Jack Stooks, who worked for the royal family for over two decades, spoke to Smooth Spins about the future king's life, from his close bond with Prince Harry to his transformation after marrying Kate Middleton.
Prince William's Relationship with Prince Harry
Stooks recalled that William and Harry were inseparable as children. 'Prince William has always been very family-oriented,' he said. 'When he was younger, both he and Harry would be together everywhere.' Even as they began dating—William with Kate Middleton and Harry with Chelsea Davy—they remained close, often gathering in the kitchen with the chef and enjoying barbecues with friends at the weekend.
William's 21st Birthday Versus His 44th
Describing William as a 'private person,' Stooks noted that his 21st birthday was a grand affair at Windsor Castle. However, celebrations have become more subdued over time. 'We don't normally see him do a lot of big events for his birthday now. He's naturally grown up,' Stooks explained. 'When Kate and William got engaged, there was a big shift, and they decided not to share a lot of their personal lives. It's quite nice to see them keeping some things to themselves.'
How William Has Changed Since Marrying Kate
Since marrying Kate in 2011, William has become 'a lot more serious,' according to Stooks. This shift stems from his increased responsibilities as future king and constant public scrutiny. 'He's trying to be seen as somebody that can be taken seriously,' Stooks said, adding that William's actions align with King Charles's focus on environmental and wildlife causes. 'Following on from his father, he's going to do a great job going forward.'
How William Navigates Fame
In the age of social media, William balances his royal duties with public life. Stooks believes William is 'a little bit more cautious when it comes to the celebrity side of things,' which he considers positive. 'He wants to stand out more than simply being known as a celeb,' Stooks noted, citing William's recent radio interview about the Duchy of Cornwall as an example of his unique approach. Over the years, William has grown more confident in interviews. 'He's a lot more natural now,' Stooks observed. 'He's definitely doing them a lot more, and they come more naturally.'
The Differences Between Prince William and King Charles
While William is 'cut from the same cloth as the king,' Stooks highlighted key differences. 'Charles is such a workaholic, whereas William appears slightly more family-oriented and takes time out of his work life to concentrate on his personal life.' Stooks emphasized that neither approach is right or wrong, but William is trying to 'streamline the role.' He noted that William is 'more shy' and may not work as intensively as Charles did as Prince of Wales. Instead, William focuses on a smaller number of priorities, such as environmental conservation and wildlife protection in Africa. 'William is more selective, concentrating his efforts on a more focused set of causes and engagements,' Stooks concluded.
