From the time he was born, Prince William‘s future was already mapped out. Because he would one day be Britain’s monarch, he would spend much of his life learning the job from a monarch. That meant a lot of training and time with Queen Elizabeth II. Prince William was also extremely close with his mom, Princess Diana, and during his early teenage years, became one of her most-trusted confidants. In fact, Diana used to describe William as “my little wise old man.”
In 1997, the prince lost his mother. Then, in 2022, he lost his grandmother. With two very important women in his life now gone, some have wondered who the Prince of Wales turns to these days for advice. He’s no longer on speaking terms with his brother, Prince Harry, and there may be some things about the Firm that his wife, Kate, wouldn’t be able to offer advice on. So who does William go to? The first person is his father, King Charles, but who else?
Well, someone who used to work for King Charles and William has that answer.
Prince William arrives to hold a vigil in honor of Queen Elizabeth II around her coffin at Westminster Hall | Aaron Chown-WPA Pool/Getty Images
Prince William’s ex-aide says he turns to another royal after his father
Grant Harrold was King Charles’ butler from 2004 to 2011. During his time working for the now-monarch his duties also included that of valet, house manager, and driver. He looked after Prince Harry and Prince William as well whenever they stayed at Highgrove House. Harrold explained that the very first person the Prince of Wales would get advice from would be his father and the next person he would go to would be his aunt, Princess Anne.
While royal fans don’t hear a lot about their relationship, the former royal aide insisted they are very close.
Princess Anne and Prince William during the recording of a special episode of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Rugby’ podcast | Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Kensington Palace
Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, Harrold said: “Anne has always been very close with William, Harry and Kate. Whether Harry and Anne’s relationship has changed more recently or not, it’s hard to say. It’s sad if it has as they were close. William, Kate, and Anne have always got on and respected each other. They have [had] get-togethers quite often.
“The first person William would go to for advice would be Charles, but I have no doubt Anne has given William her advice … The senior royals have gone through and experienced a lot of what the younger ones will be going through right now — so, it’s only natural that Anne will want to support them through it.”
Who is the Princess Royal closest to in the family?
Princess Anne and King Charles III laughing during the Braemar Highland Gathering at the Princess Royal & Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Scotland | Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Harrold also talked about who Princess Anne is closest to in the royal family.
He responded that “Anne is very close to her brother, Charles. She always has been and always will be. They have a very close relationship.”
Harrold added that Anne is very close with her daughter, Zara, as well, saying: “Zara does follow in Anne’s footsteps. They’re both very straight to the point and don’t waste any time when it comes to work. They almost have a sister relationship due to how close they are. Zara sees Anne as her inspiration — she’s a remarkable woman.”
