Diana's Endearing Term for William: The Story Behind the Wombat Nickname
Royal enthusiasts tuning into The Crown Season 6 are intrigued by Diana's use of the term “wombat” for William.
Let's delve into the origins of this charming nickname and what we know about it.
It is common for parents to bestow endearing nicknames upon their children, complementing the formal names chosen for them.
This practice extends to the Royal Family, where unconventional monikers are a tradition, ranging from the Cambridge children's fond title for Duchess Camilla to Prince Charles' special name for Meghan Markle.
Among these well-known nicknames, one stands out as less familiar.
During a royal tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1983, Princess Diana playfully dubbed her firstborn son, Prince William, a wombat.
This term of endearment stuck with him over the years, even after Diana's passing.
In a candid interview, Prince William acknowledged the origin of the nickname, recounting, “I can't get rid of it now.
It began when I was two.
I've been rightfully told because I can't remember back that far, but when we went to Australia with our parents, and the wombat, you know, that's the local animal, so I just basically got called that, not because I look like a wombat, or maybe I do.”
Although the exact Australian visit that sparked the nickname remains unspecified, it is likely tied to Prince Charles and Diana's 1983 tour of Australia and New Zealand.
This inaugural official tour as a couple was not without its challenges, as historical accounts suggest.
Prince William seems to have embraced the tradition of endearing nicknames by assigning delightful monikers to his own children.
Prince George, aged 10, is affectionately known as ‘Tips', while eight-year-old Charlotte goes by the names “Minnionette” and “Lottie”, and five-year-old Louis is fondly called “Lou Lou”.
For those unfamiliar with wombats, these short-legged, robust marsupials from the Vombatidae family are indigenous to Australia.
They typically grow to about 1 meter in length, boasting small tails and weighing between 20 and 35 kg.
In unrelated royal updates, you might be curious about the current whereabouts of Trevor Rees-Jones, Princess Diana's former bodyguard.
Additionally, details on how Dodi met Diana are outlined ahead of The Crown Season 6.
