Prince William: Born to be King - An Intimate Portrait
by Penny Junor
Hodder & Stoughton
Penny Junor's 'intimate portrait' of Britain's Prince William reveals that, aged four, he went out without gloves on a winter's day and got cold hands; at university, he was seen eating fish and chips.
After writing biographies about both the Prince and Princess of Wales, the opportunity to write about their eldest son 'was irresistible', Junor says. 'I find him one of the most interesting, remarkable and, whatever one's view of the monarchy, important young men of his generation.'
The 30-year-old royal is, we learn, a charming, humble young man. Junor - clearly a fan - quotes a friend recalling the future king 'was wild' as a young adult. We learn he likes his beers, but nothing of this 'wild' side. Her book repeats old news of his parents' marriage and divorce. Much of the rest is dull, or misses something with potential: she says Prince Harry's best-man speech had 'brilliant one-liners' - yet reveals not one.
Of interest is William's displeasure, aged four, when the dishevelled musician and human rights activist Bob Geldof visited Prince Charles.
''He's all dirty,' said William.