But according to new reports, the Prince of Wales may be preparing to cut through the royal establishment with surprising force once he becomes king.
When King William V eventually leaves Westminster Abbey, he may be ready to trim back titles, staff, and even palaces with the enthusiasm of an overexcited trainee arborist. Almost nothing appears off-limits.
Titles on the Line
The most dramatic move on his reported reform list involves stripping titles from several non-working royals. Prince Harry and Meghan, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie are among those who could lose their HRHs and princely styles. According to Tom Sykes of the Daily Beast and The Royalist Substack, the Sussexes may also be set to lose their dukedom entirely.
These sweeping changes form part of a broader plan for “sweeping reforms” that could reach everyone from Prince Harry to staffers who pour tea at Balmoral’s visitor center.
For months, Sykes has reported that power has increasingly shifted toward William since King Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis in early 2024. A friend of the prince even claimed: “Charles is weak. William is anything but weak.”
One source described William as “King in all but name now,” while another added: “The change of reign is happening in real time, whether they admit it or not.”
Buckingham Palace: A Future Without a Monarch?
Another major change could involve Buckingham Palace itself. Now that William and Kate have settled permanently into the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge, the Palace may never again serve as a royal residence. Instead, it could become the monarchy’s headquarters—an elaborate events and administrative center filled with priceless artwork but no full-time royals.
Even when William and Kate ultimately become King and Queen, they reportedly have no intention of moving into the Palace. The idea of relocating their children to the UK’s busiest tourist attraction offers little appeal.
Sykes reports that at school and within family settings, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis never use their titles. These titles could be “informally ‘parked’ until they become adults,” giving them the choice between royal duty or living as private citizens.