Prince William’s University Days: A Royal Rendezvous with Rental Videos and Late Fees
Prince William, the heir to the British throne, enjoyed a relatively normal student life while studying Geography at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Like many undergraduates, he indulged in the simple pleasures of renting movies from the local video shop. However, his royal status didn’t exempt him from the mundane realities of late fees and, ultimately, a temporary ban from his favorite rental spot. This amusing anecdote sheds light on a more relatable side of the future king, offering a glimpse into his life beyond royal duties and public appearances.
One of William’s most frequently rented films was reportedly the 2002 comedy "Boat Trip," starring Cuba Gooding Jr. The film’s premise revolves around two straight men who inadvertently find themselves on a gay cruise, leading to a series of comical mishaps. The DVD cover, featuring Swedish actress Victoria Silvstedt in a bikini atop an inflatable banana, certainly caught the eye and perhaps contributed to its popularity with the young prince. A former employee of the video shop, identified only as Zoe, revealed that William rented the film multiple times, suggesting he found it particularly entertaining. This seemingly ordinary pastime highlights a relatable aspect of William’s personality, demonstrating that even a future king enjoys lighthearted entertainment.
However, William’s penchant for movie rentals was not without its complications. Like many students, he occasionally returned his DVDs late, incurring fines that his bodyguards were reportedly reluctant to pay. This eventually led to a temporary ban from the video store, a consequence that applied equally to all patrons, regardless of royal lineage. Zoe recounted that William always eventually settled his dues, proving himself to be a responsible, albeit occasionally forgetful, customer. This episode demonstrates that even within the privileged world of royalty, there are shared experiences and common ground with everyday life.
The story of Prince William’s video rental escapades adds a touch of humor and relatability to the often-formal image of the royal family. It reminds us that even future monarchs enjoy simple pleasures and are not immune to the minor inconveniences of everyday life. While the anecdote may seem trivial, it offers a glimpse into William’s personality and his experiences as a university student, painting a picture of a young man navigating the ordinary challenges of student life alongside the extraordinary circumstances of his royal destiny.
The revelation of William’s fondness for "Boat Trip" also sparked speculation about whether his then-girlfriend, Kate Middleton, shared his enjoyment of the film. As fellow students at St Andrews, William and Kate’s relationship blossomed during this period, and it’s tempting to imagine them sharing a laugh over the film’s comedic antics. While it remains unknown if Kate ever joined William for a viewing of "Boat Trip," the possibility adds another layer of intrigue to the story, further humanizing the royal couple and connecting them to shared experiences familiar to many young couples.
The story of Prince William and the video shop serves as a lighthearted reminder that even those destined for extraordinary lives enjoy simple pleasures and face everyday challenges. It allows us to see a more relatable side of the future king, emphasizing his connection to a common experience shared by countless students across the globe. While the anecdote may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of royal affairs, it offers a charming glimpse into William’s personality and his journey towards becoming the future monarch, adding a touch of humor and humanity to the often-formal and distant world of royalty.
