Prince William Embraces Selfies and Video Messages to Connect with Public during His Recent Visits in London and South Africa

In recent years, Prince William has made a surprising shift towards embracing selfies and video messages, challenging the traditional approach the royal family has held toward public interactions.

Unlike the late Queen Elizabeth, who notably disliked being asked for selfies, and King Charles, who has been known to shy away from them, Prince William seems to have grown fond of these modern forms of engagement.

This change marks a significant departure from the more reserved approach usually associated with the royal family.

From TikTok Sensation to Selfie Enthusiast

In November 2024, Prince William became an unexpected star on TikTok after a video he filmed with a student went viral.

The video showed him explaining to her lecturer why she would be late to class, with the playful and lighthearted nature of the exchange capturing the attention of millions.

This was just one example of how William has recently used his public appearances to connect with people in a more personal and approachable way.

During a visit to South Africa, he even filmed a selfie video with Robert Irwin, the son of the late Steve Irwin, during which they shared a moment of humor and discussed William’s favorite African animal.

Engaging with Fans and Charitable Causes

Beyond just selfies, Prince William has increasingly interacted with fans, especially through his work with charitable causes.

In early December 2024, he participated in serving Christmas dinner at The Passage, a homeless charity in London, where he posed for pictures with clients like Leo Scanlon.

His willingness to engage with people during his public duties has helped reshape his image from that of a distant royal to someone more in touch with everyday people.

A Royal Rulebreaker: Breaking Tradition in the Royal Family

In addition to selfies, William has also taken part in several video calls with children and fans, further breaking the traditional rules of royal engagements.

During a visit to an ambulance station in Ipswich, he joined a group of schoolchildren on a video call, where he joked with them about their cupcakes and their lunch break.

His humorous and relatable demeanor in these situations has earned him praise, as he brings a more informal side to the often stiff and formal royal appearances.

Prince William’s Evolving Views on Technology

Though William’s approach to selfies and mobile phone use has evolved, he has also shared his concerns about the overuse of technology.

During a recent visit to a youth zone in London, he urged young people to spend less time on their phones, acknowledging that adults, too, are often guilty of excessive screen time.

Despite his personal reservations about technology, his engagement with social media and selfies shows a clear understanding of how these platforms can help him connect with younger generations and bring attention to important causes.

The Balance of Tradition and Modernity in the Royal Family

While selfies have become a symbol of the modern, relatable royal, Prince William’s efforts to balance tradition with innovation show that the royal family is adapting to the times.

Though the royals have typically kept a more reserved public image, William’s willingness to interact more casually with the public reflects his understanding of how social media and modern technology can help shape a new, more accessible monarchy.