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Topics: Princess Diana, Prince William, Royal Family
Lucy Devine
Topics: Princess Diana, Prince William, Royal Family
Princess Diana had a prediction about her eldest son, Prince William, before her death—and a formal royal correspondent has claimed it has come true.
Diana sadly passed away in 1997 - when William was aged just 15 - during a car accident in Paris, alongside her partner, Dodi Fayed, and chauffeur Henri Paul.
His mother's death affected him and his brother, Prince Harry, greatly as the Prince of Wales described grief as the 'very worst pain any child or parent will ever endure'.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex had previously opened up about the phone call he'd had with his mother, saying he'd regret how 'short the phone call was'.
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Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has recalled a conversation she had with Diana before her death, in which she supposedly spoke about her eldest son and the popularity he had with the public.
"Clearly, William is doing something very right. His informal, approachable way of going about his work is resonating with the public," Jennie told The Mirror.
"Even the way he talks is different to previous generations. He's well spoken, of course, but not overly posh. He dresses well, of course, but is quite often wearing jeans and trainers.
"He'll pose for selfies with the crowds, he'll even work the camera for them if they get flustered!"
Jennie further claimed that Diana had predicted this herself, recalling how she had said: "William's alright. The country is very lucky to have William. I think she was bang on."
According to Statistica, Prince William is the most popular living royal, followed by Kate Middleton, and then Princess Anne.
King Charles follows, with Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh up next.
Queen Camilla is seventh in the popularity ranks, followed by Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Prince Harry is currently in 10th place, with his wife, Meghan Markle ranking 11th in popularity.
Earlier this week, we told you about Prince William's alleged plans to abandon a royal practice previously prioritised by King Charles.
According to journalist and commentator Richard Eden, William will likely turn his back on the 'streamlined monarchy' that Charles, 76, has focused on in recent years, when he eventually ascends to the throne.
Previously, members of royal family were expected to attend vast quantities of official engagements per year. In fact, The Guardian claimed that 4,000 over a 12-month period was considered the norm a decade ago.
"Prince William, like his father, has always favoured slim-down monarchy as the future, and what that looks like being now is just William and Catherine and their children," podcast host Richard Eden explained on his Palace Confidential podcast this week.
"But, how on Earth could they justify all the wealth and palaces for that one nuclear family?
"From what I'm hearing is that Prince William is starting to see the value of his cousins and what, in the long term, they could give."