Prince of Wales takes helm at Country Life magazine to champion rural Britain
The Prince of Wales will be the guest of Country Life magazine’s editorial and share his favorite view, his favorite recipe and his favorite painting.
William is the latest in a long line of royal guest editors at the weekly publication celebrating rural life, including his father the King; stepmother Queen; and my aunt, the Princess Royal.
Mark Hedges, editor-in-chief of Country Life, described the prince as a “passionate countryman” who cares deeply about the welfare of those who care for rural Britain.
William has already had his first meeting with Mr Hedges in November to discuss his plans for the special issue.
The prince’s print will celebrate both his love of the countryside and his desire to protect and improve the environment.
The magazine said the doc will also reflect her advocacy for improving access to mental health services in rural areas, and will share her favorite landscape, her chosen painting, and her favorite recipe, along with key rural champions.
Mr Hedges said: “I am thrilled that the Prince of Wales has agreed to edit a very special issue of Country Life.
“When I met him last week to discuss his plans for his edition, I was struck by what a passionate countryman he is and how much he cares about the welfare of those who run it.
“I believe his views, concerns and hopes for the future of Health Person will resonate deeply with our readers, and I am excited to see how his energy and determination to change rural lives will be reflected in this special edition.”
When he became heir to the throne, William inherited the Duchy of Cornwall, which encompassed 128,000 acres of land in 19 counties. He also has a rural retreat called Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
Former England captain and gardening enthusiast Sir David Beckham also led a edition in October last year.
The guest edition, published in 2022 to celebrate Camilla’s 75th birthday, became the best-selling issue of all time; its front cover featured Camilla, then-Duchess of Cornwall, now Queen Camilla, Princess of Wales.
The King, who later became Prince of Wales, guest edited Country Life twice, first for his 65th birthday in November 2013 and then for his 70th birthday in 2018.
In 2020, the Princess Royal guest-edited an edition for her 70th birthday.
The prince will take over the magazine’s November 11, 2026 issue.
