Prince William turns 44 this weekend, and as we did in January with his wife, Kate Middleton, we’ve taken a trip down memory lane.
So, for those nosy about what William was like in his younger years, you’ve come to the right place.
Jack Stooks, a former royal gardener who worked for the royal family for over two decades, has shared some insight about the future King.
Speaking to Smooth Spins, he unpacked plenty of the prince’s life, from how he has changed since he married Kate Middleton, why he is so family-oriented, and the key differences between him and his father, King Charles.
First up, Stooks spoke about how Prince William and Prince Harry were super close growing up.
‘Prince William has always been very family-oriented,’ says Stooks. ‘When he was younger, both he and Harry would be together everywhere.’
The former gardener revealed that even when the brothers began dating — they are now estranged following Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal life in 2020 — they’d still move in the same circles.
‘Then they started dating people, and William was with Kate Middleton and Harry was with Chelsea [Davy]. You’d see them all in the kitchen together chatting to the chef, and it was just a very normal, happy way of life.
‘They would have barbeques at the weekend and have friends over to visit.’
When you get older, birthdays tend to become more low-key. This is even true for royals, according to Stooks.
Despite describing William as a ‘private person,’ he recalls how he had a huge bash at Windsor Castle for his 21st birthday.
However, these days, celebrations are slightly more muted. Stooks explains: ‘We don’t normally see him do a lot of big events for his birthday now. He’s naturally grown up.