Richard Dalton shares that Prince William adored his childhood haircuts due to the special privilege of watching extra TV during the trims

During his youth, Prince William developed a unique fondness for getting his hair cut, a ritual that many children often dread. Richard Dalton, Princess Diana’s longtime hairdresser, recently disclosed the reason behind William’s enthusiasm for haircuts, revealing that each trim came with a special privilege: extra television time.

Speaking at the “Styling Princess Diana” panel at Fotografiska New York, Dalton recounted his experiences cutting and styling the young prince’s hair. He revealed that William eagerly anticipated haircuts because they meant he could watch more TV. Dalton said William would even place a chair on the coffee table in anticipation, highlighting his excitement for the additional screen time.

The hairdresser worked closely with Princess Diana, cutting the hair of both Prince William and his brother Prince Harry until 1991, when William turned nine and Harry seven. Dalton’s fond memories of his time with the royal family extend beyond haircuts. He frequently styled Diana for various events, sometimes seeing her twice a day to prepare her for evening engagements.

“William loved haircuts because he got to watch extra TV,” Dalton explained. This small detail provides a glimpse into the everyday life of the young prince and the simple pleasures he enjoyed.

Princess Diana’s relationship with Dalton extended beyond professional bounds. He spent many years working with her, developing a close friendship. Dalton shared that Diana often opted for fun and lighthearted interactions, even during busy days filled with official duties. “I would see her every morning, and obviously she had an event every day. She would come back at 5 o’clock to do tiaras. I don’t think we were ever serious, it was always fun,” he recalled.

Dalton’s anecdotes also revealed Diana’s love for American soap operas, particularly “Dynasty.” He mentioned that she occasionally snubbed event invitations to catch up on her favourite show. “Fashion, jewellery, she used to pretend she was in Dynasty,” Dalton quipped. Despite her royal status, Diana found joy in these small, relatable pleasures.

This isn’t the first time insights into the royal family’s personal habits have charmed the public. Stories about Prince William and his children’s bedtime routines, as well as Kate Middleton’s appearances on CBeebies’ bedtime hour, have further endeared the family to the public.

In addition to sharing these light-hearted moments, Dalton reflected on Diana’s lasting impact and her special qualities. He described her as “extremely special” and noted that she was “more beautiful in real life than any picture.” His reflections offer a poignant reminder of Diana’s enduring legacy and her ability to connect with people on a personal level.

Dalton’s upcoming book, “It’s All About the Hair — My Decade with Diana,” promises to offer more intimate glimpses into his time with the princess and her family. His stories, filled with personal anecdotes and affectionate memories, highlight the human side of the royals, often obscured by their public personas.

The revelation about young Prince William’s love for haircuts due to extra TV time is a charming detail that underscores the normalcy within the royal family. It illustrates how even princes find joy in simple, everyday pleasures. Such stories resonate with the public, bridging the gap between the royal family and the people they inspire.

Analysis:

The anecdotes shared by Richard Dalton about Prince William’s childhood offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of the royal family. These stories humanize the royals, showing that they, too, find joy in small, relatable pleasures. This approachability is a key factor in the public’s enduring fascination with the royal family.

From a sociological perspective, Dalton’s revelations about Prince William’s haircuts highlight the importance of routine and special privileges in childhood development. The extra TV time associated with haircuts made the experience enjoyable for William, transforming a potentially mundane task into a cherished ritual. This mirrors common parenting strategies where rewards are used to encourage positive behaviour.

Politically, these personal stories play a crucial role in maintaining the royal family’s public image. By sharing relatable anecdotes, the royals can foster a sense of connection with the public, reinforcing their role as figures of national unity and stability. Prince William’s childhood stories contribute to his portrayal as a relatable and modern royal, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary values.

Economically, the publication of such personal anecdotes can boost interest in related media, such as Richard Dalton’s forthcoming book. The fascination with royal life drives sales of books, documentaries, and other media that offer behind-the-scenes insights. This interest not only benefits the authors and producers but also sustains the broader cultural and historical narrative surrounding the monarchy.

Gender perspectives are also highlighted in these stories. Dalton’s accounts of Princess Diana’s interactions with her hairdresser and her fondness for soap operas present her as a multidimensional figure who balanced her public duties with personal interests. This portrayal challenges traditional gender roles within the royal family, showing Diana as both a dedicated public figure and an individual with personal joys and preferences.

Locally, the stories about Prince William and Princess Diana resonate with people who see the royals as part of the national fabric. These narratives contribute to a shared cultural identity, where the royal family’s experiences are intertwined with the public’s collective memory. The relatable aspects of their lives, such as enjoying extra TV time or watching popular shows, create a sense of commonality between the royals and their subjects.

In conclusion, the stories shared by Richard Dalton about Prince William’s childhood haircuts and Princess Diana’s love for soap operas provide valuable insights into the private lives of the royal family. These anecdotes humanize the royals, making them more relatable and approachable. They highlight the importance of routine, personal interests, and the balance between public duties and private life. As such stories continue to emerge, they contribute to the ongoing narrative of the royal family, reinforcing their enduring connection with the public