UK: WINDSOR: PRINCE WILLIAM IS CONFIRMED (2)

(9 Mar 1997) English/Nat Four generations of the British Royal family gathered at Windsor Castle, west of London to hear the boy who could one day be king, confirm his acceptance of the Church of England’s teachings. Prince William, who is second in line to the British throne, is the oldest son of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales. They arrived together, putting on a show of unity, William and their youngest son Harry, looking comfortable in each other’s company. There was no sign of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, the two princes’ companion while in the company of Prince Charles, following reports that Diana was unhappy with her presence at the ceremony, and her involvement in preparation of the occasion. Tensions between the two women are well documented, Diana being envious of the close relationship Legge-Bourke has with her two sons. Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales putting past troubles behind them, were reunited on Sunday. The show of unity was for the confirmation of their elder son Prince William at the 500 year old chapel in Windsor Castle. Diana looked at ease with her former husband whom she divorced last year. The private service confirmed Prince William’s acceptance of the Church of England’s teachings. 14 year old Prince William is second in line to the British throne The Queen arrived with her mum- the Queen Mother who celebrates her 97th birthday this year. Despite a recent hip operation, she looked well and walked unaided to the church. But the happy scenes of the Royal family were in stark contrast to the run-up to the confirmation ceremony. British newspapers had reported a rift between Diana, Princess of Wales and Tiggy Legge-Bourke. Legge-Bourke was appointed by Prince Charles as companion to William and 12-year- old Prince Harry while in their father’s custody. Diana who is widely reported to dislike Legge-Bourke’s close relationship with her sons, is unhappy that the Princes’ companion will be a guest at the confirmation and is helping organize the occasion. But Legge-Bourke was noticeable by her absence from those arriving for the confirmation ceremony, tactically withdrawing her presence to avoid spoiling the day for the young Prince. The day marks a special watershed in the Prince’s adult life and as the future King of England. SOUNDBITE: (English) “It’s his first major engagement as a Prince, before he eventually one day moves on to become King“. SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop It also has significant religious resonance - for centuries the British monarch has held the position of the Head of the Church of England. SOUNDBITE: (English) “We’re here because Prince William is going to one day be our King, and probably, I don’t know if it’s going to last that long, but probably Head of the Church of England“. SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop In a break from tradition, Bishop of London was chosen to lead the ceremony, rather than the Archbishop of Canterbury. This has been seen as a snub to the evangelical Archbishop. But all this was put aside for Prince William’s special day. The young man, who has experienced a difficult childhood, with parents divorcing in the full public glare, looked self-composed as he entered the chapel to confirm his commitment to the Church that he will one day head. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: