Windsor Castle, steeped in history and royal legacy, holds a deeply personal significance for Prince William. During a guided tour with Hollywood actor Eugene Levy, the Prince of Wales opened up about his enduring love and connection to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, revealing a side of the royal family rooted in family, memory, and resilience.
“For me, Windsor is her,” William said tenderly, his voice filled with affection and reverence for the late queen. When asked if he misses her, he responded candidly, “I do, actually. Yeah, I do miss my grandmother and my grandfather.” His words reflected the profound loss he feels, particularly in recent years marked by personal challenges, including cancer diagnoses for both his wife, Catherine, and his father, King Charles. Windsor, however, remains a place of solace for William, who recalled how much Queen Elizabeth cherished the Berkshire estate. “She loved it here. She spent most of her time here,” he shared, noting her passion for horses, which brought her immense joy.
The late queen passed away at 96 on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle, 17 months after her husband, Prince Philip, died on April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle. The couple, married for 73 years, spent their final year together at Windsor during the COVID-19 pandemic. William recently marked the third anniversary of his grandmother’s passing during a visit to the Women’s Institute in Sunninghill, Ascot, where he spoke fondly of her involvement with the organization. “She was a big part of the WI. She used to talk about it a lot,” he told guests, marveling that “it’s been three years” since her death.
In 2022, William, Catherine, and their three children relocated from London to Windsor, settling into Adelaide Cottage. The family recently announced plans to move to Forest Lodge, a modest Georgian mansion on the Windsor estate, which they intend to make their permanent home, even after William ascends the throne. This decision underscores their deep connection to Windsor, a place that blends royal duty with personal comfort.
During the tour, William and Levy discussed the challenges of recent years, including Catherine and King Charles’ cancer battles. Despite these hardships, William and Catherine’s bond remains strong, characterized by a shared sense of humor and newfound openness. A 2024 video update on Catherine’s cancer journey showcased their affection, with moments of hand-holding and embraces that defied traditional royal protocol. Their Instagram posts, including a rare intimate photo from a state banquet, further highlight their warmth and connection.
William’s decision to host Levy, a global celebrity, at Windsor signals a strategic shift in how he engages with the public. By sharing glimpses of his life—such as arriving at the castle on an electric scooter and joking about offering “personalized tours”—William is embracing a modern, relatable approach to monarchy. This move, including sharing behind-the-scenes moments like welcoming the Crown Prince of Kuwait to Windsor, reflects his intent to connect with audiences beyond traditional royal circles while maintaining a polished, aspirational image.
For William, Windsor is more than a historic castle—it’s a living tribute to his grandmother’s legacy, a place where family bonds and resilience endure. Through his openness, he is redefining royal tradition, balancing heritage with a forward-looking vision for the monarchy’s future.
