What Was The Disease Of Prince William Of Gloucester? Uncovering A Royal Health Mystery

Orpha White 29 Jul 2025

Many people know about the current Prince William, yet there was another royal by that name, a fascinating figure whose life ended far too soon. This earlier Prince William, a cousin to Queen Elizabeth II, faced a significant health challenge that remained a quiet part of his story for some time. His experiences really do shed light on how health issues can touch even those in the most prominent families, and it’s a tale that draws you in.

For anyone curious about the British royal family's past, and perhaps the difficulties some members faced, the story of Prince William of Gloucester offers a lot to think about. He was, in a way, a trailblazer, the first member of the royal family to study in the United States, attending Stanford in 1963. His life, though brief, was full of adventure and a spirit that seemed to capture the public's imagination, so many found him quite captivating.

But beneath the dashing public image and the royal duties, Prince William carried a hidden burden, a genetic condition that had a long history within his family lineage. It’s a part of his story that, quite frankly, adds a layer of depth to who he was and the circumstances that surrounded his life and his very sad passing. This piece will explore that condition and its connection to his family history, giving a fuller picture of this remarkable royal figure.

Who Was Prince William of Gloucester?
The Mysterious Illness: Variegate Porphyria
A Life Cut Short: The Tragic End
A Legacy Remembered
Frequently Asked Questions About Prince William of Gloucester

Who Was Prince William of Gloucester?

Prince William Henry Andrew Frederick was born on December 18, 1941, in Barnet, Hertfordshire. His parents were Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, so he had quite a distinguished lineage from the start. He was the elder brother of Prince Richard, who is the current Duke of Gloucester, and he even acted as a page boy at the wedding of his cousin, Princess Elizabeth, to Philip Mountbatten on November 20, 1947. This was a very significant event, and he was right there, a part of it.

Through his father, Prince William was a grandson of King George V and Queen Mary. This made him a nephew of King George VI and, quite notably, a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II. He shared a lot in common with the current Prince William, and in some respects, he has been all but forgotten in royal history, which is a bit of a shame given his impact. He was, by all accounts, a very tall, handsome, and daring prince, often seeming more like a movie star than a royal figure, people really liked him.

He was known as 'the other Prince William' nowadays, but he truly made an impact in his short life. He was the first member of the royal family to study in the US, enrolling at Stanford in 1963. Prince William of Gloucester was, it seems, the world's favorite royal for a time, and his adventurous spirit was quite evident. His life was cut tragically short, and that only made his end in front of 30,000 horrified onlookers all the more devastating, as you can imagine.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Prince William Henry Andrew Frederick
Born	December 18, 1941
Birthplace	Barnet, Hertfordshire
Parents	Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Alice, Duchess of Gloucester
Grandparents	King George V and Queen Mary
Relationship to Queen Elizabeth II	First Cousin
Brother	Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Died	1972
Age at Death	30 or 31
Cause of Death	Air crash
Known For	Being 'the other Prince William', first royal to study in US, carrying variegate porphyria

The Mysterious Illness: Variegate Porphyria

The question of "What was the disease of Prince William of Gloucester?" leads us to a specific and rather rare genetic condition: variegate porphyria. This was reliably diagnosed in him, and it's a condition that has a long and somewhat complicated history within the British royal family, going back generations. It’s a part of his personal story that really helps explain some aspects of his life, you know.

In 1970, as the health of his father, the Duke of Gloucester, began to fail, Prince William was diagnosed as suffering from this genetic disease. This diagnosis came at a time when he was already dealing with other family concerns, so it was a very challenging period for him. The condition is inherited, and it’s a subject that has been explored in documentaries and books about his life, shedding light on this particular aspect of his existence.

A Royal Legacy of Health Challenges

The presence of variegate porphyria in Prince William of Gloucester was not an isolated incident within the royal family; it was, in fact, part of a longer lineage of this inherited disorder. The condition has been traced back through history, with King George III being a notable early sufferer, which is quite a revelation for many people. His symptoms, as recorded, included severe abdominal pains, dark urine, and periods of what was described as madness, which sounds incredibly difficult to live with.

The disorder continued through his son, George IV, and then on to Queen Victoria. Prince William of Gloucester was the last confirmed sufferer of this condition in the direct line, making him Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin to carry it. This historical thread of a genetic disease running through such a prominent family is, quite frankly, a remarkable piece of history. It shows that even royal families face significant health challenges, just like anyone else, in some respects.

The fact that this condition was passed down through so many generations means that it was a part of the royal family’s story for centuries. It’s a reminder that genetics play a powerful role in people's lives, and it adds a layer of depth to the stories of these historical figures. Learning about this connection helps us to really grasp the full picture of their lives, and what they might have had to contend with, so it's a very important detail.

Understanding Variegate Porphyria

Variegate porphyria is a genetic disorder that impacts the body’s ability to produce heme, a component of hemoglobin. When this process goes wrong, certain chemicals called porphyrins build up in the body, leading to a range of symptoms. As seen with King George III, these can be quite severe and varied, often affecting the nervous system and the skin, which sounds rather unpleasant.

The symptoms can include things like intense stomach discomfort, which King George III experienced, and also changes in urine color. Sometimes, there are also neurological or psychological effects, which might explain the "bursts of madness" mentioned in historical accounts. It's a condition that can be unpredictable, and its manifestations can differ from person to person, making it quite complex to manage, you know.

For Prince William, the diagnosis came in 1970. This was a time when medical understanding of such genetic conditions was still developing, so getting a reliable diagnosis was a big step. The condition is, in essence, a metabolic disorder, and its impact on an individual’s life can be quite profound, affecting their overall well-being and daily activities. It’s a reminder that invisible illnesses can have a huge effect, too it's almost.

Prince William's Diagnosis and its Impact

The diagnosis of variegate porphyria for Prince William of Gloucester in 1970 would have been a significant moment for him and his family. At that point, his father's health was already starting to decline, adding another layer of concern to their lives. Knowing about such a genetic condition, especially one with a history in his family, would undoubtedly have shaped his outlook and decisions moving forward, so it really mattered.

While the specifics of how the disease directly affected Prince William's daily life are not fully detailed in the provided information, the fact that he was "reliably diagnosed" suggests that the condition was indeed present and recognized. It is known that members of Britain's royal family have suffered their share of tragic deaths throughout history, with some dying slowly of gruesome diseases, and this condition, while not immediately fatal, could certainly cause significant distress and health issues. He was, in a way, carrying a historical burden.

The awareness of this condition might have influenced his choices, or at least been a constant consideration behind the scenes of his public life. It adds a deeper, more human dimension to the story of a prince who was seen as daring and adventurous. This medical detail, therefore, becomes a crucial part of understanding the full picture of Prince William of Gloucester's life, and it’s a detail that often gets overlooked, that is that.

A Life Cut Short: The Tragic End

Despite the presence of variegate porphyria, Prince William of Gloucester's death was not directly attributed to the disease itself, but rather to a sudden and very tragic accident. He died in an air crash in 1972 at the age of 30 or 31, which was an incredibly young age to lose someone with such a bright future. This event shocked many, especially those who had admired his daring nature, people were very sad.

The crash occurred during an air competition, a pursuit that showcased his adventurous spirit and his love for flying. It happened in front of 30,000 horrified onlookers, making the event even more devastating and memorable for those who witnessed it. This kind of public tragedy is something that leaves a lasting impression, and it certainly did in this instance, so it was a very impactful moment.

It’s a sad parallel that his uncle, Queen Elizabeth II's uncle Prince George, also died in a plane crash while serving in the Royal Air Force in 1942. This shared fate of dying in an air accident adds a somber note to the royal family's history, highlighting the risks some members took, and the unexpected ways lives can be cut short. Prince William's death was a truly heartbreaking moment for the family and the public, too it's almost.

A Legacy Remembered

Even though Prince William of Gloucester has been all but forgotten in royal history by some, his life and his story continue to hold a special place for many. He was, after all, the royal family's most famous Prince William until his untimely death 50 years ago. His namesake, the current Prince of Wales, was even named after him, which shows the impact he had on the family, you know.

Prince William of Gloucester was, in a way, Prince Charles’s hero. The future king apparently modeled himself after this older cousin, looking up to his adventurous spirit and his independent nature. This connection suggests that his influence stretched beyond his short years, shaping the aspirations of those who came after him, which is a rather significant thing. He truly made quite an impact in his short life, a little bit.

A documentary, "The Other Prince William," revisited his tragic story, reminding people of Queen Elizabeth II's first cousin and his fascinating, if forgotten, life. He was, arguably, Britain's first modern prince, forging his own path, even studying in the US. His story, including his health challenges and his tragic end, serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lived behind the royal curtain, and the human experiences that shape them. Learn more about on our site, and link to this page for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prince William of Gloucester

What is variegate porphyria?

Variegate porphyria is a genetic condition that affects the body's ability to make heme, a part of hemoglobin. This can lead to a build-up of certain chemicals, called porphyrins, in the body. Symptoms can include severe stomach pains, dark urine, and sometimes effects on the nervous system, including changes in mood or behavior, which can be quite difficult for those who have it, apparently.

How did Prince William of Gloucester die?

Prince William of Gloucester died in an air crash in 1972. He was participating in an air race when the accident occurred, which was a very public and tragic event. He was just 30 or 31 years old at the time of his passing, so it was a very sudden end to his life, that is that.

Which other royals had porphyria?

The condition of variegate porphyria has been traced back through the British royal family. King George III is a well-known historical figure believed to have suffered from it, with symptoms like abdominal pain and periods of mental distress. The disorder then continued through his son George IV and Queen Victoria, making Prince William of Gloucester the last confirmed sufferer in that particular lineage, so it has a long history.

You can find more information about variegate porphyria on the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website.

Origins of Disease | Harvard Medical School

Unraveling the link between the gut microbiome, human health, and

What are the 7 autoimmune diseases?

Global Artist Buzz