Prince William has turned his guest editorship of Country Life into a family project, featuring a striking drawing by his eldest son, Prince George.
The 13-year-old appears to have inherited his mother’s artistic talent, producing an impressive sketch of a kingfisher.
The Mail understands that George, now a pupil at Eton, is passionate about drawing and completed the picture at home in the spring of this year.
William admired the work so much that he chose to include it in his special edition of the magazine.
Other members of the family also feature, including the Princess of Wales, who has traditionally been regarded as the family’s artist after displaying her work publicly on several occasions.
Catherine contributes an interview about the restorative power of nature, a central theme in her public work.
The Princess of Wales has found being outdoors especially healing during her cancer journey. She has also sought to draw attention to the mental, physical and developmental benefits that time in nature can offer young children.
William also writes about his other children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, describing family walks with their dogs, Orla and Otto. He reveals that all three children enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring their surroundings.
The special commemorative edition of Country Life magazine, guest edited by the Prince of Wales, is out today, November 11. Other family members, including his wife, the Princess of Wales, also make an appearance.
Prince William has made his guest editorship of Country Life a family affair, even including a stunning drawing by his eldest son, Prince George
Prince William guest edits Country Life with a focus on family and the countryside
He says his family inspires his work on the future of the countryside and strengthens his commitment to creating a better world for generations to come.
In the magazine’s leader column, he writes: ‘The places you love best are not the ones you preserve unchanged, but the ones you keep quietly improving.’
‘One day, George, Charlotte and Louis may ask me what I did to help communities thrive… We didn’t simply imagine a better future, we helped build it, so that someone else could build further still.’
The collectors’ issue also explores the gardens at Highgrove, King Charles’s country home in Gloucestershire, which have been a lifelong labour of love.
William cheekily recalls that, as a young man living there, he had to remember not to open the curtains before getting dressed because the gardens were often full of visitors.
The special commemorative edition of Country Life, guest edited by the Prince of Wales, is published today, November 11.
William spent the past six months working with Country Life editor Mark Hedges and managing editor Paula Minchin. Together, they created an issue offering a glimpse into his personal life, as well as the causes and beliefs that shape his work.
He also discusses his support for people who live and work in the countryside through the Duchy of Cornwall and Sandringham, as well as his concern for those facing mental health challenges.
The Mail understands that George, now a pupil at Eton, is hugely keen on drawing and completed the picture at home in the spring of this year. William loved it so much he decided to include it in his special edition.
William spent the past six months working with Country Life editor Mark Hedges and managing editor Paula Minchin (both pictured) to offer an insight into facets of his personal life, combined with the passions and beliefs that drive him.
And no public endeavour would be complete without a mention of his beloved Aston Villa football team which he describes as his ‘second family. The edition even features an interview with its manager, Unai Emery, on leadership.
Inside Prince William’s hands-on Country Life takeover
No public project would be complete without a mention of William’s beloved Aston Villa, which he describes as his ‘second family’. The issue also includes an interview with the club’s manager, Unai Emery, about leadership.
Mark Hedges, editor-in-chief of Country Life, said: ‘The Prince of Wales has been a formidable, hands-on guest editor. His commitment to the future of the countryside, his willingness to address difficult issues and his determination to highlight environmental emergencies can be seen throughout every feature he personally selected.’
‘We also see the Prince as a family man and football fan, with a weakness for a chocolate cake first served to him by his grandmother.’
‘His skills as a guest editor have been admirable, and the result is a glorious edition which I am sure will be a sell-out.’
Royal aides say William has been ‘really close’ to the project and played a central role in every editorial decision.
His father, his aunt Princess Anne and his stepmother, Queen Camilla, have all previously edited the magazine.
