I get passionate – I’m not as shy as I look

HIS natural shyness can be mistaken for reserve, but William said he was passionate about breaking down taboos surrounding mental illness.

The prince, who is a helicopter pilot with East Anglian Air Ambulance, said he had been shocked to realise how many people did not seek help because they were ashamed to admit that they had a problem.

William has previously warned that Britain’s ‘stiff upper lip’ culture can make it more difficult for people to talk about mental health. He told GQ: ‘I’ve been really shocked how many people live in fear and in silence because of their mental illness. I just don’t understand it.

‘I know I come across as quite reserved and shy, I don’t always have my emotions brewing, but behind closed doors I think about the issues, I get very passionate about things.

‘I cannot understand how families, even behind closed doors, still find it so hard to talk about it. I am shocked we are so worried about saying anything about the true feelings we have.’