Since Prince Harry left London and called California home, Prince William has become a liberated man — in some aspects.
The heir to the throne is no longer abiding by some of Queen Elizabeth II‘s strict rules and protocols; surprisingly, she is fine with it.
Last month, Prince William’s new rule-breaking ways were on full display at the Women’s Euro final at Wembley.
Kate Middleton‘s husband was thrilled as he watched the British female soccer players, known as the England Lionesses, make their country proud by winning the biggest European trophy at home.
With the nation and Prince William roaring behind them, the England Lionesses made history with a sweet victory against Germany in the final of the European Championship.
The Lionesses beat long-term German rivals with a final score of 2-1 following a tense match going into extra time.
A passionate soccer fan and Football Association President, Prince William was among the first to congratulate the talented ladies on the win.
Prince William tossed all rules and protocols out the door as he “threw himself on the players and hugged them.”
Defender Lucy Bronze spoke to OK! Magazine about the touching interaction with Prince William.
She also revealed that the Duke of Cambridge is not only a supporter when the cameras are rolling.
The star athlete explained: “He gets on really well with Jill Scott because he’s come to a couple of our camps, and Jill is our longest serving player, so they’ve built up a friendship. Jill said he basically jumped on top of her and hugged her so tight! It’s nice to know he’s a big fan and supporter. He’s not just handing out the medals, he’s been to see us play plenty of times.”
Bronze also said this about the enthusiastic future king of England: “I think he was more excited than some of the players!”
Weighing in on Prince William’s new public behavior and persona, a former butler for the royal family, said it is all calculated.
According to Grant Harrold, the prince intentionally broke Queen Elizabeth’s royal protocol with her permission.
The former butler believes that Prince William, with the Firm’s backing, will usher in a new era — the royal family wants to have a more personable approach and appear more down to earth.
Harrold told OK! this is about Prince William’s mini-royal make-over: “Historically, there was a rule with royals that you could look, but you couldn’t touch. If you met a royal, you could look at them, and if they offered you a handshake, you were to accept it. That was a lot to do with the mystique surrounding the family but also for security reasons, too.”
He continued: “I think William and the other younger royals have realized that they can’t get away with being aloof. The Queen can get away with it because she’s the Queen, and she’s from a different era, but the younger royals have been brought up very differently.”
The royals do not have displays of affection in public, and Queen Elizabeth should never be touched by the public or the high-profile figures she meets.
The Monarch is never seen hugging her children. Until recently, Prince William did not hold Kate Middleton’s hands or kiss her during royal engagements.
However, Prince Harry is very different. Like his mother, Prince Harry is famous and loved for being the kind royal who is not afraid to give hugs, high fives, and goof around with the people he meets.
Prince Harry never missed an opportunity to kiss his wife, Meghan Markle, even if the media is present. Having Prince Harry as a model, it should be easy for Prince William to no longer be aloof and distant.
