The Prince of Wales is joining a long line of royals by taking on the role of guest editor at Country Life magazine.
William has spent the past six months shaping a 300-page commemorative edition, which will explore both his public work and more personal interests—including his fondness for the occasional pub visit for a pint of cider served with ice.
His father, King Charles, has previously edited the magazine twice, marking his 65th and 70th birthdays. William’s aunt, Princess Anne, also became guest editor for her 70th birthday.
Queen Camilla took on the role to mark her 75th birthday.
William, who now oversees extensive agricultural land across the country in his role as Duke of Cornwall, is understood to be placing particular emphasis on rural mental health and environmental conservation.
A newly released photograph shows the heir to the throne reviewing a draft of the issue at Windsor Castle alongside editor Mark Hedges and managing editor Paula Minchin.
The 300-page edition is scheduled for publication on November 11.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: ‘The Prince of Wales has a longstanding passion for the countryside and the vital role it plays in the nation’s life, culture and wellbeing.
The Prince of Wales is following a long line of royals by guest editing Country Life magazine. A new photograph shows the heir to the throne reviewing a draft of the issue at Windsor Castle with editor Mark Hedges and managing editor Paula Minchin
William has spent six months preparing the 300-page commemorative issue, offering insights into his public duties and personal life, including his preference for an occasional pint of cider—with ice
‘His guest editorship of Country Life reflects a desire to celebrate the people, places and innovative stewardship helping to secure its future for generations to come.’
Last November, King Charles featured on the cover of Country Life to mark the completion of a three-year restoration project at his Sandringham gardens.
Charles, who assumed responsibility for the Norfolk estate in 2017, appeared relaxed in the portrait. He stood in the sunshine with a shepherd’s crook, dressed without a jacket.
Photographer Millie Pilkington captured the image in a formal section of the revitalised gardens, which are generally open to visitors from April through October.
Country Life editor-in-chief Mark Hedges praised the King’s horticultural work, saying: ‘Over the past three years, His Majesty The King has overseen a remarkable restoration of the gardens at Sandringham—reviving historic landscapes, reimagining formal parterres and creating new spaces of reflection and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.’
News of William’s Country Life guest edit comes only days after he was seen with Prince George in the stands during Aston Villa’s Champions League match.
The 44-year-old has supported the club since his time at Eton, choosing Aston Villa while many of his schoolmates backed the Premier League’s more established giants.
With his hair tousled, shoulders raised against the cold and the familiar three stripes of an Adidas jacket on display, Prince George looked like any other young football supporter beside his father during Aston Villa’s match against Barcelona.
Their seats in the presidential box—and the baseball cap worn by the man beside George—were the only obvious signs that this was no ordinary father-and-son outing. The cap did little to conceal the identity of the future king.
Although rugby has traditionally appealed to many men in William’s social circle, he is a committed football fan and regularly watches his favourite team, Aston Villa, play.
William’s new Country Life guest edit was announced just days after the Prince of Wales attended an Aston Villa Champions League match with Prince George
His enthusiasm for football also helps him connect with the public. The sport crosses social and economic boundaries, and William’s genuine interest gives the future king an especially relatable quality.
In a rare interview last year, William discussed the family life he and Kate have worked to build for their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis.
Speaking with Schitt’s Creek actor Eugene Levy for his Apple TV series The Reluctant Traveler, he said: ‘Getting the balance of work and family life right is really important, because for me the most important thing in my life is family and everything is about the future.’
He continued: ‘If you don’t start the children off now with a happy, healthy, stable home, I feel you’re setting them up for a bit of a hard time and a fall.’
William has also spoken about the effect his parents’ divorce had on his own feelings of security during childhood.
Discussing the value of a stable home, he said: ‘I think it’s really important that the atmosphere is created at home. You have to have that warmth, that feeling of safety, security, love.
‘That was certainly part of my childhood. My parents got divorced when I was eight, so that lasted a short period of time.’
That experience may help explain why he appears so determined to create the stable family environment he considers vital to raising emotionally secure children.
