Being left handed is rare; only 10% of the population can claim the trait.

But being left handed and first in line to the British throne?

That distinction belongs to just one person:William, Prince of Wales.

Prince William writing with his left hand

During the ascension ceremony, cameras captured Prince William signing the proclamation documents with his left hand.

While itsurprised many royal watchers, Prince William’s left handedness has been evident for years.

A throwback image from his first day at Eton shows him signing a book with his left hand.

Prince William signing a book

But Prince William isn’t the only royal who favors his left hand.

Yet, despite their natural inclination, earlier generations of royals were trained to write with their right hand.

So, why did they suppress their left handedness, and what does it reveal about royal tradition?

These beliefs were widespread during the Middle Ages, influencing many cultures, including British royal traditions.

While it may have helped him avoid scrutiny from the general population, it came at a cost.

(viaThe Lancet).

However, as outdated superstitions faded, so did the stigma surrounding left handedness.