Handsome Prince William is kicking off the new year with a bold new confidence that could crown him one of the hottest hunks of 1999.

The formerly shy prince, who dreaded public appearances after mom Princess Diana’s death, has turned into a randy royal who easily chats up crowds and playfully banters with lovestruck female fans.

The 16-year-old heir to the throne stunned royal watchers by charming the adoring crowd as he arrived for a church service at Sandringham, England, with his grandmother Queen Elizabeth and the rest of his royal kin.

When one girl yelled: “William, where’s my Christmas kiss?” the pinup prince smiled, saunted over and purred: “Later, later.”

Insiders say now that William’s confidence is catching up with his stunning good looks, it’s only a matter of time before the future King of England bests Leonardo DiCaprio as King of Heart-throbs. Besides his flaxen blond hair, dreamy blue eyes and delicate features, William could be the tallest monarch in modern history. Experts believe the lanky teen may shoot up to 6 feet 5 inches, capturing the tallness title held for 450 years by Henry VIII who was 6 feet 2 inches.

“Thought William’s dad is only 5 foot 9, Diana stood at a statuesque 5 foot 10,” says an insider. “Just like his good looks, it appears that William owes his towering height to his mom.”

Star, January 12, 1999