Prince William's University Alias 'Steve' Reveals Secrets Behind Royal Privacy Measures
During his time at St Andrews University, the Prince of Wales adopted the pseudonym "Steve" to maintain privacy and avoid media attention. Despite the media's agreement to respect his space, William selectively chose friends and utilized fake names for hotel check-ins, particularly with Kate Middleton. This practice of using aliases continued throughout their relationship and into their royal life for security reasons, preventing media interest and ensuring their privacy.
The Prince of Wales took extraordinary measures to maintain his privacy during his university years at St Andrews. According to Robert Jobson's new book, "Catherine, The Princess of Wales," Prince William adopted the pseudonym 'Steve' to escape media attention and enjoy a more normal college experience.
Usage of a Pseudonym for Privacy
To maintain a low profile among peers, William preferred the name 'Steve' while officially enrolling as 'William Wales.' This decision was part of his efforts to avoid individuals who sought to know him solely due to his royal status. Jobson revealed that William was adept at detecting those who aimed to exploit his background, stating, "People who try to take advantage of me and get a piece of me, I spot it quickly and soon go off them. I'm not stupid."
Escaping to Royal Residences
As his relationship with Kate Middleton blossomed at university, the couple often visited royal residences for weekends and holidays, choosing to use aliases. They were known to stay at Highgrove, Sandringham, or Balmoral Estate, but when they ventured out, they occasionally checked into hotels as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, a name that likely raised no suspicion among those aware of their identities.
Maintaining Low Profiles on Holidays
Following a brief separation in 2007, Prince William and Kate enjoyed a holiday in the Seychelles, using the pseudonyms Martin and Rosemary Middleton during their hotel stay. As they engaged in activities like kayaking and snorkeling, their strategies to maintain a low profile appeared successful, allowing them to enjoy their time together away from prying eyes.
Code Names for Security After Marriage
After their marriage in 2011, William and Kate, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, employed further security measures, including the use of code names for their aides. The names 'Danny Collins' and 'Daphne Clark' were reportedly set in their aides' contacts to safeguard their privacy. This tactic ensured that if the phones were lost, individuals accessing them would remain unaware of the royal couple's identity.
The Royal Family's Use of Code Names
According to royal expert Laura Windsor, using secret names and code words is customary in the Royal Family and serves critical security purposes. Code names prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, as operators monitoring communication would be less likely to discern significant news. Windsor emphasized that this practice is vital for the royals to conduct their travel arrangements discreetly, avoiding undue attention.
