A celebrity stylist who has worked with some of the world's most famous faces has offered a rare glimpse into the shopping habits of Prince William, describing the future monarch as refreshingly normal.
The 'Cloak and Dagger' Royal Commission
Dean Aslett, a personal shopper and stylist whose client list includes Dame Joan Collins and Liz Hurley, recounted how his work for Prince William began with a mysterious phone call. He told the Daily Mail that the initial contact came from Special Branch, the police unit responsible for royal protection, in what he described as a "cloak and dagger" process.
"They called my home number I suppose to check I wasn't a member of the IRA," Aslett recalled, highlighting the unusual security precautions that preceded the royal shopping trip. The assignment involved guiding a younger William, then around 43 years old, through the iconic London department store, Selfridges.
An 'Ordinary' Shopping List and a Regal Surprise
Contrary to expectations of lavish spending, Aslett was struck by the prince's modest and relatable choices. He confessed that he cannot remember everything William purchased, largely "because it was all so ordinary." The haul consisted of everyday items like DVDs, fragrances, and small trinkets.
However, one purchase stood out for its thoughtfulness and surprise factor. Among the selections was a Doctor Who box set intended as a gift for his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Aslett, a self-professed fan of the sci-fi series, was "tickled" by the choice, admitting, "You don't think of The Queen watching it."
"There was nothing bling about anything William wanted," the stylist emphasised, painting a picture of a royal heir with grounded, unpretentious tastes.
A Glimpse of a Future King Embracing Change
This intimate anecdote adds to a growing public understanding of William's personal character, which has been showcased more in recent years. Earlier in 2025, during an interview with actor Eugene Levy for the travel show 'The Reluctant Traveler', the Prince of Wales spoke openly about his vision for the monarchy's future.
"I think it's safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good, and I embrace that, I enjoy that change," William stated. He added, "I don't fear it, that's the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical, but changes that I think need to happen."
Royal experts suggest that William is already being prepared for his future role through high-level diplomatic engagements. In the Channel 5 documentary 'William and the King: Like Father, Like Son', Vanity Fair's Katie Nicholl noted that meetings with figures like former US President Donald Trump and France's Emmanuel Macron are part of his training.
"[King Charles] wouldn't have William handling these important meetings... if Charles didn't believe he was absolutely capable," Nicholl said. When asked if William was ready should he be called to the throne sooner than anticipated, a long-time aide responded immediately: "He's absolutely ready."
From selecting a sci-fi gift for his grandmother to outlining his thoughtful approach to modernising the Crown, these insights reveal a future king balancing tradition with a distinctly personal and down-to-earth touch.
