By Molly Claire Goddard
2:17pm PST, Feb 25, 2026
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According to royal expert
Russell Myers' upcoming book
William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story,
Prince William told Queen Elizabeth II that he wanted to live in Wales after tying the knot with Kate Middleton in 2011, which would allow her the "opportunity to make her first tentative steps into a world that was almost completely alien to her."
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After
Prince William opened up to Queen Elizabeth II, the grandmother gave the Prince of Wales' sage advice. "In response, the Queen shared her own profoundly personal experiences as a newlywed with
Prince Philip," Russell Myers said. "Between 1949 and 1951, the Duke of Edinburgh's service with the Royal Navy's Mediterranean fleet had provided the couple the opportunity of a lifetime. The Queen felt there were deep parallels between her cherished time in Malta and William's determination to live in Wales for longer. The Queen certainly had sympathy with his [William's] situation. Her direction was very much 'go and live your life', but also to have one eye on the future, as you never know when things will change."
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Prince William was grateful for Queen Elizabeth II's help. "William drew much comfort from his grandmother's words and felt emboldened to make the most of the opportunity that lay in front of him and Kate[Middleton], for as long as they could make it last," Russell Myers wrote.
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Before Queen Elizabeth II's 2022 passing,
Prince William often sought her guidance. Especially after the tragic death of
Princess Diana. "Sensing William was struggling, the Queen invited him to Sunday lunch to judge his mood,"
Russell Myers wrote. "William was more than just crestfallen and worried about whether he was throwing away the one constant in his life. He was, according to one well-placed source, 'completely broken.' In that moment, the Queen advised her grandson that the only certain path is the one supported by faith. It was all she had to say."
