Sir William Heseltine, the first Australian to serve as Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, has died aged 96. He served the Queen from 1986 to 1990 and remained in contact with her until her death. Heseltine is credited with modernising the monarchy's media approach — including allowing BBC cameras into royal life — and pioneering the modern "royal walkabout." Former PM John Howard praised him as a distinguished son of Western Australia.
Sir William Heseltine, 96, Dies — The Australian Who Modernised the Monarchy and Pioneered the 'Royal Walkabout'
EPSOM, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 07: The Queen At The Derby Races With Her Private Secretary Sir William Heseltine. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images) (Tim Graham Photo Library via Get)
Sir William Heseltine, the Western Australia–born press officer who became the first Australian appointed Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, has died aged 96.
Heseltine served as the Queen’s Private Secretary from 1986 to 1990 and remained in regular contact with Her Majesty until her death, exchanging letters over many years. After his retirement in 1990, he returned to Western Australia and lived quietly in a modest home in a leafy suburb of Perth.
Elizabeth reportedly called Sir William 'My Bill' (@ Tim Graham Photo Library via Get)
"I think, like everybody who met the Queen, I came out of the room feeling rather uplifted,"he told The West Australian in 2022, reflecting on the personal warmth and dignity he found in conversations with the monarch.
The Times described their bond as an "easy relationship based on friendship and trust," and reported that the Queen often addressed him as "My Bill." Former Australian prime minister John Howard paid tribute to Heseltine as a "true son of Western Australia" who served his country, his sovereign and his chosen political party with distinction.
Sir William was known for modernising the Monarchy's relationship with the press (@ Getty Images)
Before his royal appointment, Heseltine held senior roles in Australian public life: he served as private secretary to Sir Robert Menzies for four years and briefly acted as official secretary to the Governor‑General, Lord De L'Isle. His long career in public service and at the Palace left a notable legacy.
Modernising the Monarchy
Heseltine was instrumental in reshaping how the British monarchy engaged with the media and the public. He persuaded the Queen and Prince Philip to allow BBC cameras access to moments of their private life, producing a landmark documentary that was seen by an estimated 350 million viewers worldwide and helped humanise the royal family.
He was the first Australian to be appointed in his role (@ Getty Images)
He is also credited with pioneering the modern "royal walkabout" during the 1970 royal tour of Australia and New Zealand, encouraging the Queen to step away from formal processions to meet members of the public directly — a practice that has become a standard feature of royal tours.
Later in his career, Heseltine played a role in moving the royal household away from ultra‑secretive press practices, including during the turbulent public fallout surrounding the marriage and separation of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Tributes from politicians, former colleagues and royal observers acknowledged Heseltine's blend of discretion, modernising instinct and deep loyalty to both his homeland and the Crown.
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