In the grand corridors of Buckingham Palace, a troubling narrative is emerging about Prince William's alleged battle with alcohol, which insiders claim is being fueled by his ongoing feud with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. According to well-placed sources, the stress of the royal rift is driving the future king to increasingly seek solace in drinking, raising concerns about the implications for his health, his role within the monarchy, and his marriage to Princess Kate.
"William is hitting the bottle - hard - to drown his sorrows and his rage over what he sees as a betrayal by his brother, Harry," a courtier disclosed. This alleged turn to alcohol includes potent drinks like Kamikaze cocktails, which William reportedly enjoys for their 'silent but deadly' effect.
Despite his ability to maintain a composed public persona, there are whispers within the palace walls that the prince has attended official engagements while nursing severe hangovers.
The situation is reportedly taking a toll on Princess Kate, who, at 41, is said to be deeply concerned about her husband's wellbeing and the potential repercussions of his drinking on their family and the crown. "Kate is worried sick," the source shared, revealing her fears of a public misstep and the growing strain on their 12-year marriage.
The royal couple, known to enjoy social drinks, are now under scrutiny as allegations suggest that Prince William's casual drinking has escalated into a more severe issue. This development is purportedly aggravated by the recent accusations against Kate and King Charles in the book "Endgame" by Omid Scobie, a close ally of Meghan.
The book revives the explosive claim from the Sussexes' 2021 interview about concerns within the royal family regarding the skin color of Harry and Meghan's son, Archie. The insider suggests that this latest public attack has sent William into a fury, exacerbating his stress and alleged reliance on alcohol.
William's history with alcohol, including anecdotes of his drinking during significant life events like his wedding day, adds layers to the current concerns. With a long-standing royal culture that often includes alcohol, there are fears that William might be following in the footsteps of other family members who have struggled with similar issues.
As Prince William navigates the immense pressures of his future kingship, his young family, and the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth's death, those close to him are reportedly worried that without intervention, he could be on the brink of a crisis. The situation presents a complex challenge, balancing the public's right to know and the family's privacy, all while under the intense scrutiny that accompanies life in the royal spotlight.
The Globe magazine spoke to the sources.
