While today’s royal watchers admire Prince William for his leadership, family life, and polished presence, many still remember when he was once Britain’s ultimate teen heartthrob.
Long before he became the future King of England, William was the golden-haired prince that had young fans worldwide swooning—and the media quickly dubbed it “Willsmania.”
The Original Royal Heartthrob
Back in the ’90s, William joined the ranks of famous teen icons like Will Smith, Robbie Williams, and the Backstreet Boys, but with one major difference—he was royalty.
At just 15, with sun-kissed hair and a shy smile, he became a global sensation, gracing the covers of major magazines like Hello! and People.
But behind the headlines, William was quietly navigating a personal tragedy—the death of his mother, Princess Diana.
The tidal wave of public attention collided with a time of grief, making his sudden fame even more overwhelming.
Willsmania Goes Global
The media frenzy reached new heights when William traveled to Vancouver with Prince Charles and Prince Harry.
The crowds were wild—literally. Teen girls lined the streets screaming, weeping, waving signs, and thrusting flowers at the bashful prince.
Some fans even suggested declaring a national “William Day.”
He was dubbed the “British Leonardo DiCaprio,” and actor Ed McVey captured his uncomfortable charm perfectly in The Crown, which recreated the iconic scenes from the trip.
A Crush on Campus and a Spike in Applications
Fast forward a few years, and William’s decision to attend the University of St Andrews in Scotland did more than kickstart his romance with Kate Middleton—it sent applications soaring.
University figures reported a 44% surge in applicants, with American female students leading the pack, all hoping for their own royal fairy tale.
And even without his once-famous blond locks, the prince hasn’t lost his charm.
In fact, he’s been named the “world’s sexiest bald man” two years in a row—proof that the love from the public never truly faded.
Behind Palace Doors, a Culture Clash
Of course, being part of the Royal Family comes with strict traditions—and according to royal author Tom Quinn, William never quite embraced displays of affection.
That reportedly became an issue when Meghan Markle entered the picture.
Her “hug everyone” approach was a bit much for William, who wasn’t used to that kind of touchy-feely energy.
In the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, Meghan herself shared how awkward her first meeting with William and Kate was—barefoot, in ripped jeans, and reaching in for a hug.
Harry even claimed in Spare that William “recoiled” from the gesture, highlighting a deeper cultural divide that would later impact royal dynamics.
Still Royal, Still Relevant
Despite the drama surrounding the Sussexes and being thrust into the public spotlight since childhood, Prince William has managed to stay above scandal.
His popularity remains rock solid—a recent YouGov poll placed him as the most popular living royal, with a 71% favorability rating.
He’s even managed to build friendships with modern icons like Taylor Swift.
The prince snapped a selfie with Taylor, his kids, and her boyfriend Travis Kelce at her Eras Tour stop in Wembley—on his birthday, no less! Taylor posted the photo with the caption: “Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start.”
A Rare Royal Evolution
From magazine heartthrob to future king, Prince William’s journey has defied expectations.
He may have started as a teenage icon, but he’s grown into a respected figure who bridges royalty with relatability.
As he turns 43, fans are wondering what he’ll do next—but if we had our way, we’d love to see a reunion performance of Livin’ On A Prayer with Taylor and Jon Bon Jovi from that unforgettable 2013 charity night at Kensington Palace.