Prince William's Cousin: Where Are They Now?
Hey guys! Have you ever wondered about the extended royal family? Specifically, what happened to Prince William's cousins? It's a valid question! While Prince William, the future King of England, and his immediate family, like his brother Prince Harry and their children, are constantly in the spotlight, the lives of their cousins often remain a mystery to the public. So, let's dive in and explore what some of Prince William's cousins are up to these days. We'll explore their backgrounds, their current endeavors, and how they maintain their connection to the royal family. Get ready for an insightful journey into the lives of those who share a unique bond with the heir to the throne. Understanding the dynamics within the royal family can give us a better idea of the lineage and impact they bring on society. So, let's get started, shall we?
The Royal Family Tree: A Quick Overview
Before we delve into the specifics, let's get a quick refresher on the royal family tree. Prince William is the son of Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and the late Princess Diana. This makes him a grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Now, to find his cousins, we need to look at the siblings of his grandparents and parents.
- Queen Elizabeth II's siblings: Queen Elizabeth had one sibling, Princess Margaret. Princess Margaret's children, David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and Lady Sarah Chatto, are therefore Prince William's first cousins once removed.
 - Prince Philip's siblings: Prince Philip had several siblings: Princess Margarita of Greece and Denmark, Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark, Princess Cecilie of Greece and Denmark, and Princess Sophie of Greece and Denmark. Their descendants are related to Prince William, but more distantly.
 - King Charles III's siblings: King Charles has three siblings: Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. The children of these siblings are Prince William's cousins.
 
So, with that in mind, let's zoom in on some of Prince William's more prominent cousins and see what they're doing now!
Peter Phillips: The Businessman
Peter Phillips is the elder child of Princess Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips. This makes him Prince William's first cousin. Notably, Peter Phillips was the first grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II not to hold a royal title at birth, as his parents declined the offer of one. He was born on 15 November 1977.
After graduating from the University of Exeter with a degree in sports science, Peter Phillips embarked on a career in the corporate world. He has held positions at Jaguar, Williams Grand Prix Engineering, and the Royal Bank of Scotland. In 2012, he established his own sports management company, SEL UK, which focuses on managing and advising sports personalities and events. His business ventures have kept him quite busy, and he often attends high-profile sporting events.
Peter was married to Autumn Kelly from 2008 to 2021, and they have two daughters, Savannah and Isla. While he maintains a lower public profile compared to his royal cousins, Peter Phillips remains active within royal circles and is often seen at significant family events, such as royal weddings, Trooping the Colour, and Remembrance Day services. His presence underscores his continued connection to the royal family, despite his non-titled status and business-oriented career. Peter Phillips's story is a testament to how members of the royal family can carve out their paths while still honoring their familial ties.
Zara Tindall: The Equestrian Star
Zara Tindall, formerly Zara Phillips, is the younger sister of Peter Phillips and also a first cousin of Prince William. Born on 15 May 1981, she too was not given a royal title at birth, which allowed her more freedom to pursue her passions. And pursue them, she did!
Zara has made a name for herself as a highly accomplished equestrian, specializing in eventing. Her dedication and skill in the sport have earned her numerous accolades, including a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics as part of the British eventing team. This achievement alone cemented her status as not just a royal but also an athlete of international renown. She has also won a gold medal at the 2006 World Equestrian Games and multiple European Championship medals.
Beyond her sporting achievements, Zara is also involved in various charitable endeavors and endorsements. She has worked with organizations such as UNICEF and the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community. Zara is married to former rugby player Mike Tindall, and they have three children: Mia, Lena, and Lucas. The Tindalls are often seen at royal events, and Zara's down-to-earth personality and sporting success have made her a popular figure among the public. Zara's unique blend of royal lineage and athletic prowess showcases the diverse paths that members of the royal family can take, and she continues to inspire many with her achievements.
Princess Beatrice: The Businesswoman and Philanthropist
Princess Beatrice is the elder daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York, making her another of Prince William's first cousins. Born on 8 August 1988, she holds the title of Princess of York and is in the line of succession to the British throne.
Beatrice has pursued a career in the business world, working for various companies in the fields of finance and technology. She has a degree in history from Goldsmiths, University of London, and has leveraged her education and experience to make a name for herself professionally. Currently, she works for Afiniti, a technology company that specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Princess Beatrice is actively involved in charitable work. She supports a range of organizations, including those focused on education, healthcare, and children's welfare. She is particularly passionate about supporting young people with learning disabilities, drawing from her personal experience with dyslexia. Beatrice is married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and they have one daughter, Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi. Princess Beatrice balances her royal duties, professional career, and philanthropic work, demonstrating a modern approach to royal life. Her dedication to making a positive impact through her various roles highlights her commitment to both her family and the broader community.
Princess Eugenie: The Art Enthusiast and Advocate
Princess Eugenie, the younger sister of Princess Beatrice, is also a first cousin of Prince William. Born on 23 March 1990, she too holds the title of Princess of York and is in the line of succession. Eugenie has carved out her path with a focus on art and philanthropy.
Eugenie studied art history and English literature at Newcastle University and has since worked in the art world. She has held positions at various galleries and art institutions, demonstrating her passion for the arts. Currently, she is a director at Hauser & Wirth, a contemporary art gallery, where she continues to pursue her interests and contribute to the art community.
Like her sister, Princess Eugenie is actively involved in charitable work. She supports various organizations, particularly those focused on children's health and welfare. She has worked with charities such as the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, of which her father is a patron, and has been a vocal advocate for scoliosis awareness, having undergone treatment for the condition herself as a child. Eugenie is married to Jack Brooksbank, and they have two sons, August and Ernest. Princess Eugenie combines her love for art with her commitment to charitable causes, showcasing a multifaceted approach to her role within the royal family. Her dedication to making a difference through her work and advocacy reflects her commitment to both her personal passions and the well-being of others.
Lady Louise Windsor: A Quiet Royal
Lady Louise Windsor is the daughter of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, making her another of Prince William's cousins. Born on 8 November 2003, she has largely maintained a private life, away from the intense media scrutiny often associated with the royal family.
Louise has been pursuing her education, and in recent years, she has become more visible at royal events. She shares a close relationship with her grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and was often seen with her at events such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Lady Louise has also taken up carriage driving, a sport that was also beloved by Prince Philip.
While she does not undertake official royal duties, Lady Louise has occasionally participated in royal engagements, such as Trooping the Colour and other significant family events. Her relatively low-profile upbringing has allowed her to focus on her studies and personal interests, and she is gradually stepping into the public eye as she gets older. Lady Louise Windsor represents a quieter side of the royal family, where education and personal pursuits are prioritized alongside occasional royal appearances. Her story reflects the evolving roles and expectations within the modern royal family.
James, Earl of Wessex: The Youngest Cousin
James, Earl of Wessex, is the younger sibling of Lady Louise Windsor and the youngest of Prince William's cousins. Born on 17 December 2007, he is the son of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Like his sister, James has largely grown up away from the public eye.
As a young child, James has been primarily focused on his education and personal development. He has occasionally appeared at royal events, such as family weddings and Trooping the Colour, but his parents have strived to provide him with a normal upbringing. James holds the title of Earl of Wessex, which was bestowed upon his father, Prince Edward, on his wedding day. As he gets older, it is expected that James will gradually take on more responsibilities and participate in royal engagements, but for now, his focus remains on his studies and personal interests. James, Earl of Wessex, represents the next generation of the royal family, and his journey will be closely watched as he matures and takes on more prominent roles in the future.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, guys! A glimpse into the lives of Prince William's cousins. From entrepreneurs and athletes to art enthusiasts and those leading quieter lives, each has carved out their unique path while maintaining connections to the royal family. It's fascinating to see how they balance their personal ambitions with their royal heritage. While they may not always be in the headlines, their stories are a testament to the diverse and evolving nature of the modern royal family. Keep an eye out for them at future royal events – you never know what they'll be up to next!