Prince William's Official Interview (Finally the Truth)
To mark his 18th birthday on June 21, Prince William answered written questions put to him by Peter Archer, Court Correspondent for the Press Association.
Question: What will you be doing on your birthday and do you have an exam on the day?
Answer: I don't have an exam on the day but I will be studying for my History of Art exam the next day.
Q: When will you finish your exams?
A: A few days after my birthday.
Q: When and how will you be able to celebrate your birthday?
A: I haven't really thought about it, but no doubt I will celebrate privately with some friends.
Q: Have you enjoyed Eton and what will you miss most when you leave?
A: Yes, very much. I'll miss my friends and Dr Gailey (Housemaster) who has been a tremendous support to me. And I've really enjoyed being able to go about Eton as just another student without the media attention.
Q: Do you still like the uniform - what is different about the "Pop's" uniform - and have you enjoyed being in Pop?
A: I've enjoyed being in Pop, which is a school prefect. I've always liked the uniform, particularly the Pop uniform which allows you to wear your own waistcoats, and the stick ups (stiff wing collar) and tie.
Q: Will you have a gap year and, if so, how will you spend it?
A: Yes, I will be having a gap year but at the moment I prefer to keep the details private until all the arrangements have been settled.
Q: Which university do you want to go to?
A: Until I know my results, I'm unsure. I know there's been an awful lot of speculation but you'll have to wait.
Q: What will you study at university?
A: The History of Art.
Q: Would you like to study abroad?
A: I can honestly say I haven't thought about it; it hadn't yet crossed my mind.
Q: Which sports do you enjoy best?
A: I enjoy water polo, football and rugby - mostly team sports.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I enjoy being with my friends, going to the cinema, and watching football and rugby matches.
Q: Do you enjoy reading and, if so, who are your favourite authors?
A: Yes, when I get the time. I enjoy a wide range of books but I don't have any particular favourite authors.
Q: What sort of music do you like?
A: Much the same as I did a couple of years ago - dance and pop.
Q: Do you enjoy clubbing and dancing?
A: I enjoy dancing but don't go clubbing that often.
Q: How often do you manage to get to the cinema and what films do you like?
A: I go to the local cinema when there is a good film showing. I prefer action films.
Q: Do you still shop for your own clothes and what style do you prefer?
A: Yes; I much prefer casual wear.
Q: How difficult is it to cope with public and media attention?
A: I don't like the attention. I feel uncomfortable with it. But I have particularly appreciated being left alone at Eton which has allowed me to concentrate on my school work and enjoy being with my friends without being followed by cameras. I am grateful to the media for helping to protect my privacy and I hope I can enjoy the same freedom at university.
Q: How do you cope with the attention of girls?
A: In my own way. Trying to explain how might be counter-productive!
Q: How do you feel about being linked with showbusiness personalities like Britney Spears?
A: There's been a lot of nonsense put about by PR companies. I don't like being exploited in this way but as I get older it's increasingly hard to prevent.
Q: Do you think you might join one of the services after university and, if so, do you have a preference?
A: It's too early to say. I haven't really thought about it.
Q: Have you thought of any other profession?
A: At this stage I just want to get through university. I know there's been a lot of speculation but the truth is I haven't made up my mind yet.
Q: When will you begin solo Royal duties?
A: My father wants me to finish full-time education before doing Royal duties and so do I. It will be a few years before I do Royal engagements although I expect, as in the past, I will sometimes accompany my father.
Q: Are you looking forward to it?
A: I don't know because it's a long way off yet; I haven't really thought about it.
Q: How often do you manage to see members of your family?
A: As often as I can, especially my cousins.
Q: What do you enjoy most about driving your car?
A: Like anyone my age, it gives me some independence.
Q: Do you have a horse?
A: No, but I ride my father's.
Q: How is your dog, Widgeon, and do you have any other pets?
A: Widgeon had eight pups about 18 months ago. I have no other pets.
Q: Now you're 18, will you have your own staff to look after your diary and correspondence?
A: No, I don't need them. My father's office looks after my mail and diary, and that will carry on as before.
Q: Do you have a girlfriend?
A: I like to keep my private life private.
Q: Why did you agree to be photographed at Eton for your 18th birthday?
A: The media have left me alone while I have been at Eton, for which I am grateful. But I knew there would be a lot of media interest in my 18th and I didn't want a whole host of media involved. Neither did I want any distractions as I was revising for my A-levels. So, I agreed to allow one photographer and a TV cameraman to spend a little time with me at Eton.