William to give insight into public and private life as he guest edits magazine

The Prince of Wales will share insights into his public role and the more personal aspects of his life, including his fondness for an occasional visit to the pub for a pint of cider with ice, when he guest edits Country Life magazine.William has spent the past six months working with the weekly publication, which celebrates rural life, to create his 300-page commemorative issue, which will be published next week.The royal guest editor is following in the footsteps of his father the King, step-mother the Queen, and aunt, the Princess Royal.William met with Mark Hedges, Country Life’s editor-in-chief, and managing editor Paula Minchin last month at Windsor to preview the drafts of the magazine and examine the proofs and layout.The prince will also feature as the cover star for the special edition on November 11.Mr Hedges previously described the heir to the throne as a “passionate countryman” when his role as guest editor was announced in June.William inherited the Duchy of Cornwall landed estate, which spans 128,000 acres over 19 counties, when his father became King.He also has a countryside retreat, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The Prince of Wales has a long-standing passion for the countryside and the vital role it plays in the nation’s life, culture and wellbeing.“His guest editorship of Country Life reflects a desire to celebrate the people, places and innovative stewardship helping to secure its future for generations to come.”Former England captain and gardening enthusiast Sir David Beckham also oversaw an edition in October last year.Camilla’s guest edition in 2022 to mark her 75th birthday was the biggest-selling issue of all time, with the front cover picture of the then-duchess of Cornwall, now Queen Camilla, taken by the now-Princess of Wales.The King, then the Prince of Wales, twice guest-edited Country Life, firstly for his 65th birthday in November 2013, and then for his 70th in 2018.Read MoreIn 2020, the Princess Royal guest-edited an edition for her 70th birthday.