Sir William Heseltine, the Australian who served as Queen Elizabeth II's private secretary, has died at 96. He worked at the palace for 27 years and rose to become the queen's most senior adviser from 1986 to 1990.
He was the first Australian to join the royal household. He pushed the royals to open up to the press and public, shaping how the world sees the monarchy today.
π The Backstory
Heseltine suggested the 1969 Royal Family documentary, watched by about 68% of British viewers. He also started the idea of royal walkabouts, where royals meet people in the street. He wanted the royals to pay income tax, but the idea was set aside at the time. They finally did so in 1993.
π― Why It Matters
Heseltine changed how the royal family connects with the public. His work still shapes how the monarchy is reported and seen around the world.
Sir William Heseltine, the Australian who served as Queen Elizabeth II's private secretary, has died at 96. He worked at the palace for 27 years and rose to become the queen's most senior adviser from 1986 to 1990.
He was the first Australian to join the royal household. He pushed the royals to open up to the press and public, shaping how the world sees the monarchy today.
Heseltine suggested the 1969 Royal Family documentary, watched by about 68% of British viewers. He also started the idea of royal walkabouts, where royals meet people in the street. He wanted the royals to pay income tax, but the idea was set aside at the time. They finally did so in 1993.
Heseltine changed how the royal family connects with the public. His work still shapes how the monarchy is reported and seen around the world.