Reckless Facts About William Of Gloucester, The Other Prince William
Prince William of Gloucester was the world's favorite royal. The tall, handsome, and daring prince seemed more like a movie star than a royal. Sadly, that only made his tragic end in front of 30,000 horrified onlookers all the more devastating.
So, who really was the other Prince William? From his reckless streak to his doomed love story, let's find out.
1. He Had To Be Hidden
You might guess that William of Gloucester had it all. His parents were Prince Henry, brother to the reigning King George VI, and Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. At the time of his birth, he was fourth in line to become King of England. The royal family rejoiced at the birth of a new son—but it wasn't yet safe to reveal him to the world.
From the moment he was born, William's life was in danger.
2. He Met Humble Beginnings
Though he was a prince of England, William of Gloucester wasn't born in some decadent palace like most of his kin. Shortly before his birth, German air raids forced his family to evacuate to a small village in the country.
William came screaming into the world in a humble nursing home.
After years of service in France, William's father had been able to return to be there for his birth. Then, just a few months later, he was torn away yet again.
3. The King Sent His Father Away
Prince Henry got a few precious weeks with his wife and newborn son, but the war still raged and he couldn't stay. His brother, the King, soon sent him on a diplomatic mission that would bring him dangerously close to the front. The King was well aware of the risks; he wrote to William's mother saying that should anything happen to Henry, he would become the boy's guardian himself.
Thankfully, he was never needed. Henry returned home safe and WWII ended a few years later—but William still needed a guardian angel.
4. His Cousin Looked Up To Him
Though nearly 20 years younger, William was quite close with his cousin, Princess Elizabeth. He acted as a page boy at her wedding when he was just seven years old. A few years that, he attended her coronation, when she became Queen Elizabeth II. What's more, her son Charles absolutely idolized his older cousin.
Just a few years younger, Charles was the perfect age to see William as a superhero. And, to be fair, William was one heck of a guy.
