Who Is Prince William of Gloucester? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Prince William of Gloucester, born on December 18, 1941, was a British prince whose life was marked by a blend of royal privilege and personal ambition. He was the son of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. Tragically, his life was cut short in a plane crash in 1972 at the age of 30. By 2025, the legacy of Prince William continues to resonate, as historians and royal enthusiasts delve into his contributions to the royal family and his impact on the British monarchy.
| Occupation | Prince |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 18, 1941 |
| Age | 30 Years |
| Birth Place | Hadley Common, Barnet, Hertfordshire, England |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 28 August, 1972 |
| Died Place | Halfpenny Green, Staffordshire, England |
Popularity
Prince William of Gloucester's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Prince William of Gloucester are not widely documented, he was known to have a tall and athletic build, typical of many members of the British royal family. Estimates suggest he stood around 6 feet tall and maintained a fit physique, as he was actively involved in various sports and outdoor activities throughout his life.
A licensed pilot and President of the British Light Aviation Centre, Prince William owned several aircraft and competed in amateur air show races. On 28 August 1972, he was competing in the Goodyear International Air Trophy at Halfpenny Green near Wolverhampton.
Vyrell Mitchell—a pilot with whom the prince had often raced—was listed as a passenger. Shortly before the race started, the wind direction changed and a different take-off runway was brought into use.
This required the race participants to turn left as soon as possible after take-off to establish themselves in the previously planned race circuit.
Shortly after Prince William's take-off and while at a very low altitude, the Piper Cherokee banked steeply into the left turn; the bank angle was so great that the pilot was unable to maintain height and the aircraft sank towards the ground until its port wing hit a tree, shearing off.
The out-of-control plane flipped over and crashed into an earthen bank, bursting into flames. Prince William and Mitchell were killed. The crash happened before 30,000 spectators, the fire took two hours to control, and the bodies were identified at inquest the next day from dental records.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Prince William of Gloucester's romantic life remains a topic of interest among royal watchers. Although he was known to have had relationships during his lifetime, the most notable was with his long-term girlfriend, American socialite and actress, Zinaidab “Zinnie” Goring. They were set to marry, which would have marked a significant moment in royal history, blending British royalty with American celebrity. However, their engagement never materialized due to his untimely death. Currently, in 2025, there are no reports of romantic relationships or partners for Prince William, as he remains a beloved historical figure rather than an active member of today’s royal scene.
His father was Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, the third son of King George V and Queen Mary. His mother was Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, the third daughter of the 7th Duke of Buccleuch and Lady Margaret Bridgeman.
Net Worth and Salary
Given the time period and the challenges faced by the British royal family, specific figures regarding Prince William of Gloucester's net worth may not be readily available. However, as a prince, he enjoyed considerable wealth and privileges. Upon his death, he left behind a legacy that, combined with the royal family's assets, contributes to the overall estimated net worth of the monarchy, which has been valued in the billions.
Career, Business, and Investments
Prince William of Gloucester pursued a career in aviation and worked as a pilot. He received his pilot's license and had ambitions to serve in the civil aviation sector, demonstrating a passion for flying that he pursued alongside his royal duties.
His interests also included a love for outdoor sports, particularly equestrian activities and hunting, which were within the realms of traditional royal leisure. However, given the historical context of his brief life, there are limited details regarding significant business ventures or investments during his lifetime.
Social Network
Being a royal, Prince William of Gloucester was part of a unique social network composed of high-profile figures in society, politics, and the arts, reflecting the interconnectedness of royalty to various facets of public life. Today, he is remembered through the archival connections to his family and historical records, with discussions about him often taking place on social media platforms such as Twitter and history-focused groups on Facebook.
Education
Prince William of Gloucester was educated at a variety of prestigious institutions, including Eton College, which is known for its rigorous academic program and notable alumni. His education equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate both the royal landscape and his future career aspirations.
Prince William was buried in the Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore. The comprehensive school in Oundle, which he opened in 1971, was renamed Prince William School in his memory. His will was sealed in London after his death in 1972. His estate was valued at £416,001 (or £3.9 million in 2022 when adjusted for inflation).
