For the last 42 years Prince William has spent a life, sometimes reluctantly, in front of the lens. Photographers both professional and amateur have captured births, funerals, careers and weddings that have defined one of the world’s most recognisable and popular royals. In this elegant and engaging documentary, Air TV takes a closer look at the key images that have defined a prince.

In the summer of 1982 a 7lb baby boy was introduced to the world on the steps of the St Mary’s Hospital in London. The new heir to the throne sat aloft in the arms of his mother who just happened to be the most photographed woman in the world. Prince William and Diana seemed calm and content as the tabloids snapped away, both blissfully unaware that the long lenses of the paparazzi would end one of their lives and impact the other forever.

Nobody had ever seen London like this during peacetime. The capital, the nation, the world stopped. 2.5 billion watched the images of the funeral of William‘s mother, Diana, the Princess of Wales as the hearse headed to Westminster Abbey. The image that the world remembered was the shot of a 15 year old boy walking behind a coffin, captured by the cameras that he felt were part of the reason for his mother lying in front of him. He glances worryingly down at his younger brother, only too aware that his life would never be simple, only tumultuous.

It is understandable that after the death of his mother, Prince William tried to control his appearances on camera closely…yet these ‘selfie’ images delivered a unique depth and warmth to William’s character. In 2024, The Princess of Wales revealed that she was undergoing treatment for cancer. The family moved away from the public duties and therefore the cameras but as Kate recovered we were then treated to images that showcased a ‘family next door’ feel. William beaming, his wife looking healthy and his children totally relaxed.

Finally, William had found a lens he was comfortable with.

1 x 60 Feature Documentary
Distributed by: Sphere Abacus