He was polite, polite, and extremely patient. The benefits operator did not know that he would be a future king.

Introduced himself only as “William”, the stranger explained politely that he was calling to inquire about financial aid for a young homeless man. He talked amiably with the stranger about forms, ID proof and all of the hurdles young homeless people must jump to get their feet back on track.

Every year, the Duke of Cambridge is able to make up to six secret visits to Centrepoint’s accommodation services. This charity was his first introduction by his late mother.

“On one occasion he spent a whole week with us and then turned up again to work as a locum employee. He called the benefit office for one young man. He was a sponge! Seyi Obakin chuckles. Since 2005, William’s second-in-line has been the patron of the charity. The CEO even once slept on the streets with him.

William simply smiled when someone suggested that William looked like an actor. He continued to work. His attitude was very lowkey. He just showed up to do his job and that was all he knew.

“It speaks volumes about who he really is. He had such a great relationship with the manager by the time of getting married that he invited them along to his wedding.

The first installment of the landmark Daily Mail series, which I published in advance of William’s 40th birthday, explored William as a man, wife, father, brother, and son.

Today’s focus is on William, Prince of Wales in-waiting and Britain’s first’millennial ruler’.

I have discovered that, far from being a passenger on his royal journey, he has his own distinct vision to ‘reshape’ the monarchy and won’t be afraid to get his hands dirty — or speak his mind on the issues that matter.

Like his father, he also believes that a slimmed-down Royal Family is the best way to ensure its survival — and that his shamed uncle, Prince Andrew, should never have a part to play in it again.

Prince William, Prince Andrew and Prince Charles are pictured together at the funeral of Prince Philip. William is lobbying the Queen to have his uncle Andrew barred from public life

Prince William, Prince Andrew, and Prince Charles were pictured at Prince Philip’s funeral. William wants the Queen to expel Andrew, his uncle from public life.

'[William] has strong views on the Duke of York and believes his insistence in trying to cling on to a public role is highly dangerous for the institution,' said a friend (pictured: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L) and Britain's Prince Andrew, Duke of York (R) in 2018)

‘[William]A friend said that she has strong opinions about the Duke of York. She believes that his persistence in trying to hold on to a public position is extremely dangerous for the institution. (pictured: Prince William (L), and Prince Andrew (R), in 2018.

Prince Andrew is pictured driving alone at Windsor. He is reportedly being frozen out of public duties at the insistence of Prince William

Prince Andrew seen alone driving to Windsor. According to Prince William, Andrew is being kept out of public duties.

A source told the Evening Standard of William's involvement in getting Andrew banned from public participation in the Order of the Garter service: 'The Duke of Cambridge was adamant. If York insisted on taking part publicly, he would withdraw'. It would have also meant that his wife Kate would also not have attended (William and Kate are pictured with their kids earlier this month)

According to a source, William was involved in the ban on Andrew from participating in the Order of the Garter public service. York would not allow York to take part in public if he wanted. This would have meant his wife Kate wouldn’t have been able to attend (Williams and Kate were pictured earlier in the month with their children).

“He felt very strongly about that and, if he had the opportunity to push for them to happen a lot quicker than they did,” comments a friend.

William is a passionate believer in the Royal Family’s important role in national life. This, so long as it continues to be credible and pertinent. While he doesn’t intend to change it, it would be a mistake for us to think he’ll follow the ‘never complaint, never explain’ rule of his grandmother.

“People will not be content with their silence anymore. In a deferential age with different communication methods, the Queen’s approach worked well. One former adviser to the royals says William is trying to figure out how to make her grandmother’s legacy relevant for today.

“And he thinks the monarchy should better explain its thinking, especially when it comes to its position in the global world.”

This was sharply demonstrated on the Cambridges’ recent tour of the Caribbean which was beset — according to some of their critics — by controversy. Others on the ground like myself have strongly maintained that the trip was largely well-received.

Many in his group believe that Kate was unfairly criticized for appearing out of touch due to Buckingham Palace’s inaction.

‘The big problem was not with the specifics of the tour — although the duke himself acknowledges that it was not a good look to agree to get into that Land Rover [a vehicle previously used by the Queen in Jamaica that was derided for looking ‘too colonial’ against the backdrop of the island’s republicanism]. “They were coerced into doing it. But they should have followed their gut instincts which are generally sound,” says an insider.

“The issue is actually institutional.” It was not enough for the palace to acknowledge in advance that they would visit republics, and that this decision would be welcomed by the monarchy with a sense of friendship.

“These countries do not belong to Canada, Australia, New Zealand or any other country. These are colonies with particular colonial histories. These islands were inhabited by slave labourers who were then rehabilitated. It is a great thing that these slave laborers now feel empowered enough to take control of their destiny. Because the palace is so heavy and couldn’t manage it, every mishap looked hostile and conciliatory, instead of positive. Buckingham Palace simply “sleptwalked into” the problem.

William is backed by another senior member of his circle, who agrees that the tour allowed him to “set out his stand” and issue a candid statement at the conclusion without consulting any palace hierarchy.

Prince Andrew pictured taking a stroll through New York's Central Park with convicted paedophile and child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein

Prince Andrew was pictured strolling through New York City’s Central Park along with Jeffrey Epstein (convicted paedophile, child sex smuggler).

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge depart from Abaco on March 26, 2022 in Great Abaco, Bahamas

Prince William, Duke Of Cambridge and Catherine Duchess-of-Cambridge leave Abaco on March 26, 2022. They will be arriving in Great Abaco, Bahamas.

The Duchess of Cambridge waves at children during a visit Trench Town, the birthplace of reggae in Kingston, Jamaica

During her visit to Trench Town (the birthplace reggae) in Kingston, Jamaica, The Duchess and Duke of Cambridge smiles at the children

It was clear to him that it was their decision as to the future of all the countries they visited. He even suggested that the Commonwealth’s next leader should not be the British royal family.

“The Duke felt strongly that it was something that had to be said. [it]They said that it was a significant turning point in his life. He has an equal responsibility for the future of the institution and is willing to speak up. It was clear that he would have to set a boundary. He sat down and shared his thoughts with his team. He believes that the Royal Family should be available for as long people need them. He’s listening, and learning.

William’s campaigning vision is as clear-cut as his vision. He is going to jump in and tackle the problem head-on. “He believes that there are many areas outside of politics in which he can take on housing and homelessness. These conditions are unacceptable for children to be raised. Is there a place where homelessness ends and housing affordability begins? This is an important issue for him and he will put all his efforts into it.

Charlie Mayhew MBE is the chief executive at Tusk. The conservation charity with whom the prince has an 17-year relationship impresses William.

William’s visit to China in 2015 where he met President Xi Jinping at the last minute, was directly responsible for China’s ban on ivory.

“He is becoming more aware of the power he holds to convene and uses it well and effectively,” says Mr Mayhew. I receive WhatsApp messages frequently from him in order to talk about an issue. His maturity is always impressive.

It’s also fair to say that William is becoming less of an angry young man — and more of a diplomat.

“A decade back, he was still furious at the media. A friend says that unlike his brother, he was determined to find a solution, especially when it came time to ring fencing his children.

“He was calm and collected. He understands their family’s interest better than anybody. He was much more able to deal with the level of interest once that was established. This is why some believe Harry and Meghan did not give enough time. [to work through].’

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the inaugural Commissioning Parade for service personnel from across the Caribbean, in Kingston, Jamaica, March 24, 2022

On March 24, 2022, the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge attended the first Commissioning Parade, which was open to service personnel across the Caribbean. It took place in Kingston, Jamaica.

(L-R) Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant on June 05, 2022

L-R: Camilla, Duchess Of Cornwall, Prince Charles and Prince of Wales. Queen Elizabeth II. Prince William, Prince of Cambridge. Princess Charlotte of Cambridge. Catherine, Duchess, and Prince Louis of Cambridge.

That is why, as livid as William was about the BBC’s Martin Bashir scandal — when the Corporation was found to have covered up its journalist’s faking of documents to persuade Princess Diana to give the explosive 1995 interview that hastened the end of her marriage — he has continued to work with Auntie on several high-profile projects.

A friend says that although his anger was intense, “he left the scene and went to do research. He then placed the historical issues into their proper historical context.

“While he still feels furious at his mother’s deceitfulness, he won’t hold the national broadcaster accountable for anything that occurred a quarter century ago.”

According to insiders, William also “absolutely” shares the willingness of his father to discuss issues near and dear to him.

One observes, “Look at how the Prince of Wales was mocked for certain things he spoke about climate change. But, he is now considered ahead of his time.”

“The lesson he took from his father is to be cautious about how you approach these issues.

“But he has also learned from Prince of Wales that certain things are dear to him that will require the same level of courage.

“If he is convinced that something is right then he considers it a duty to speak up due to the privilege that comes with being a leader.

“He’ll be cautious and avoid controversy. But he’s not afraid to take risks.”

William has begun to speak his mind more often within the family.

While he was close to his grandmother throughout his life, now he can have a voice in the “big” decisions.

He often visits his grandmother and speaks to her by phone many times each week.

It’s not only about big decisions but also small details. Because he and Catherine are looking for a different model, he always checks in with her. The words “unlike his brother” hanging in the air are a source that explains why he never wants to take the Queen by surprise.

The duchess and he also spent a lot time together with their children.

It’s one reason they’ve been able to move to Berkshire. All their lives have been affected by the loss of Duke Edinburgh. William found him a wise counsellor and is very protective over his grandmother.

William, when it comes to the future vision for the family, is “absolutely on a page with his father, always was, always will be”, according to me. This means that there will be a smaller monarchy.

He is close with his cousins Eugenie and Beatrice, however, these women are independent and have their own careers and families. This is something he considers a good thing. Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips are even more close to him and he admires their lives outside the family. According to one source, they’ll always be there for each other in family occasions, but this is very different than being in royal positions.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Louis, Mike Tindall and Mia Tindall during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in front of Buckingham Palace, London, on day four of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations

On day four of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, the Duchess and Prince Louis, Mike Tindall, Mia Tindall, Prince Louis, Prince Louis and Mike Tindall performed the Platinum Jubilee Pageant at Buckingham Palace in London.

Prince William and Kate are pictured alongside Zara and Mike Tindall

Prince William, Kate and Mike Tindall are seen together

Also, he is a champion for the Earl and Countess and Prince Edward of Wessex and Sophie his reliable wife. Both families enjoy spending a lot time alone.

Andrew, his uncle is a constant headache.

“He holds strong opinions about the Duke of York, and feels that his stubbornness in trying to hold on to a public position is extremely dangerous for the institution. If it were up to him, he’d have cut him off long ago. A friend says that although he is aware of the difficulties involved in mother and child relationships, he really wishes he could disappear from public view.

William understands that with many of his relatives suddenly leaving, the future monarchy is now more dependent on the shoulders and support of his family. He used to be averse to it and, while he doesn’t like it now, it’s not something he fears.

He isn’t the best person for this job. He wasn’t the right person for it, and neither was his grandmother. A source says that his grandmother wasn’t either.

The last person that you need stepping up to the plate is someone who just apologises and then says, “I’m so excited to become King!” It is important to find someone who can understand the importance and pressure involved in what they do, without trying to grasp all the trappings.

As he begins his fifth decade, tomorrow’s King William V is clearly more prepared than ever to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Jamie Lowther Pinner, his mentor and former private secretary, says that the monarchy must evolve. This evolution will end in the end with the departure of the Queen.

The Empire was there at the time the Queen took the throne. She was supported and surrounded by great leviathans like Churchill or Attlee. The Queen’s style is one of consistency, constancy, and really reassuring. But it may not work for everyone because times change.

He says, “My view is that both the Princess of Wales (and the Prince of Wales) recognized this.” They understood that the world was changing and they moved alongside them.

“In his own right, William will.”

‘Best dada!’ “Best dada!” Princess Eugenie shares a touching tribute to Jack Brooksbank, sharing photos of the family and baby August on Father’s Day.

  • Insta: Princess Eugenie (32), wished Jack Brooksbank Happy Father’s Day
  • As she shared photos with August, the Princess called her husband the “best dada” and called him the Princess of Monaco.
  • Eugenie shared photos of her son rarely in public. However, the photos offered a glimpse into their home life and Eugenie was able to share some photos.
  • After Prince Andrew settled the US civil sexual assault case, Prince Andrew’s oldest daughter did not publicly wish her father Happy Father’s Day.

 By JESSICA TAYLOR for MailOnline

On Jack Brooksbank’s second Father’s Day, Princess Eugenie wrote a touching tribute.

Eugenie Ferguson, the daughter of Prince Andrew, and Sarah Ferguson, expressed her happiness for her boyfriend on Father’s Day by calling him “the best dada”

The 32-year old princess is the 12th in line for the throne. She shared an intimate glimpse of her family’s life by posting a photo that shows Jack pushing August, one, down a country track in the pram.

Also, she posted an adorable snap showing the father and son walking side by side at The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. Little August was wearing his Union Jack-embroidered blue knit jumper. 

 Another sweet photo she shared showed the pair playing together at home. 

Scroll down to see the video 

Princess Eugenie, 32, wished Jack Brooksbank a Happy Father's Day on Insta, posting a series of sweet photos to her Instagram stories

Princess Eugenie (32) wished Jack Brooksbank happy Father’s Day by posting sweet photos to Insta.

Princess Eugenie posted a sweet tribute to her husband Jack on Instagram

Her Instagram story showed an intimate snap of Jack and August playing together

These shots featured the couple strolling around the Platinum Jubilee celebrations as well as a shot where they were playing at their home with a toy. 

Eugenie did not pay homage to Prince Andrew her father who had his military titles stripped in a case of civil sexual assault against him earlier this year.

Andrew settled with Virginia Giuffre in February, after Virginia accused him of three sexual assaults on her while she was younger than 18.

The allegations have been denied by Andrew in strenuous denials. Andrew settled the suit and has maintained a low profile. He was unable to attend Platinum Jubilee festivities because he tested positive for Covid. 

Eugenie was largely responsible for August’s first year in the public eye, but she thrilled fans with a clip of her son at the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. 

These adorable photos follow an equally heartfelt tribute to Jack posted last year for his first Father’s Day.

She wrote, “Happy Father’s Day my love.. Jack pushing August in his pram.”

This May, Princess Diana shared two adorable selfies that were beaming in tribute to her husband.

“Happy Birthday to Jack,” she wrote. It’s been 36 years. It’s been quite a ride. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Eugenie prefers to keep the family details private and first revealed August’s birth to the world via an Instagram post.

Princess Eugenie rarely shows August off in public but delighted fans with glimpses of her son at the Platinum Jubilee

The Princess held her son on her lap as they watched the Platinum Jubilee Pageant from the Royal Box

The Platinum Jubilee was a joy for Princess Eugenie who, in the first year, rarely displayed baby August publicly.

She shared a beautiful family picture taken by her midwife and wrote: “We wanted to introduce August Philip Hawke Brooksbank.⁣

Thank you so much for your wonderful messages. The love we have for this tiny human is beyond words.

Following the birth of her son during a nationwide lockdown, Princess Diana also expressed gratitude to the key workers for their help. 

The 12th-in-line to the throne princess married Jack in an amazing ceremony in St George’s Chapel at Windsor in October 2018.

They first started dating in 2011, and they confirmed their relationship at Royal Ascot in 2011.

Eugenie moved to New York from London to join an auction house. The couple maintained their long-distance relationship.

Jack said to The Daily Mail that he and his family spend much of their time using Skype. It’s great. Our hearts are still together.

2015 saw the return of the Princess to London, and the two became even closer. Engagement rumours were started the next year.

Jack proposed, but it took Jack 2 more years to do so while they were on vacation in Nicaragua in Jan 2018.