'2020' Profiles Young Royals

ByABC News
May 13, 2004, 4:10 PM

May 14 -- These are not your father's royals. They're a new generation with a pedigree walking a fine line between the sacred traditions of the past and the new rules for royalty in the 21st century.

Today's young royals drive their own cars, occasionally date commoners and hang out at London clubs, while also holding a place in line for a crown. Here's a look at some of Europe's young and privileged.

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Prince William is a 21-year-old superstar set to inherit $1 billion, not to mention the throne of England. Every time he flashes that doe-eyed grin the world thinks of his mother.

But while William has Diana's looks, it's 19-year-old Harry who is said to embody more of his mother's playful personality.

In many ways they're just like other teens. William drives a little too fast and racks up huge cell phone bills. Both boys like to party, and Harry, nicknamed the "King of Clubs," got himself into trouble at age 16.

But ultimately, they're still royalty. William is treated publicly like a pop star, according to Simon Perry, who covers the royals for People magazine. "He and Harry went to Vancouver with their dad, and it was all 'We love you, Will' banners and things like that," said Perry. "It may have been Britney Spears that got out of the Land Rover."

And like Spears, the young princes face scrutiny in the press.

"They have a love-hate relationship in many respects because they also know, especially as they're moving into adulthood now, that they need the press," said Perry.