‘Change’ in Prince William’s confidence after receiving Prince of Wales title
William became the heir to the throne in September 2022Prince William received the title of Prince of Wales in 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. But it’s a royal title that comes with more responsibilities.
The year 2022 was a turning point for Prince William and the royal family. That September, the nation mourned with the royals as William’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96.
And it became a year of personal transformation for William, as he stepped into the role of Prince of Wales – a title his father King Charles had held – as the new heir to the throne.
This new title is more than just a change in name; it marks a major milestone in his royal journey and comes with a host of expectations. According to a politician who has worked closely with him for years, the shift in his role has had a clear effect on his confidence, signalling a new chapter in both his personal and public life.
Michael Gove’s thoughts on meetings with Prince William
Royal author Valentine Low has detailed former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove’s thoughts on the future king in his new book, Power and the Palace.
In one extract from the book, serialised in The Times, Gove is quoted as saying he noticed a distinct change in Prince William’s demeanour since receiving the title.
He had a pretty detailed knowledge of the challenges … I was impressed.
Gove recalled speaking with William about a 2018 government conference on the illegal wildlife trade whilst he was environment secretary. Known then mainly as the Duke of Cambridge, William expressed a strong desire to be fully supportive of the event.
Gove is quoted in the book as saying he was “asked to see William because he wanted to do everything he could to support the summit”.
This moment showed William’s hands-on approach and a determination to be actively present in his duties.
William’s noticeable ‘shift in confidence’ as Prince of Wales
Meanwhile, Gove is also quoted discussing a meeting with William in 2023. It came as the prince was launching his homelessness project, Homewards.
At that time, Gove was secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities.
According to the book, Gove says: “He had a pretty detailed knowledge of the challenges… I was impressed.”
Gove details the difference in William’s demeanour during the two meetings. The first was when he was Duke of Cambridge and the second as the Prince of Wales.
The book quotes Gove saying: “When I met him for the illegal wildlife trade, he was charming and quite self-possessed. But it was more by way of, ‘What can I do to help?’. Here now as Prince of Wales it was more, ‘These are my plans.’ And while at certain points he deferred to members of his team, it was clear that he was chairman of the board. You could sense he had grown in authority and confidence.”
His confidence appears to have grown naturally as he takes on a more prominent role in the monarchy, demonstrating that he is ready to handle the responsibilities and challenges of his new title.
William embraces royal tradition and responsibility as future king
The title of Prince of Wales is steeped in history.
Beyond the prestige, it demands active involvement in charitable organisations, public appearances, and representing the monarchy both in the UK and abroad.
For Prince William, this role is about striking a balance between respecting tradition and embracing a modern approach to royal life. Observers believe that his increased confidence will allow him to meet these duties effectively, cementing his position as a leading figure in the royal family and preparing him for future leadership.
Prince William’s journey to becoming the Prince of Wales is not just a change of title.
It reflects a real shift in how he carries himself, showing readiness, engagement, and a growing confidence that will shape his role in the monarchy for years to come.
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