Veteran biographer Robert Jobson told the Telegraph that William aims to “halve the amount of staff involved” once he becomes king. This shift would eliminate the traditional model often associated with Princess Anne – hundreds of annual visits, ribbon-cuttings, and plaque unveilings.
Instead, William and Kate prefer fewer ceremonial duties and more impact-driven work on climate change, mental health, and global initiatives.
This philosophical divide reportedly creates tension between Charles and his heir. Sykes notes that William sees his father’s love of uniforms and pageantry as outdated, while Charles views William’s approach as undervaluing duty.
A former royal staffer summarized it:
“To William, continuing to run the monarchy as though it were still an Edwardian institution feels absurd. To Charles, his son’s more casual approach can feel like a lack of respect for duty and tradition.”
William’s Public Vision for Change
William has already begun stating publicly that he intends to reshape the monarchy. In an interview last year, he said he wants to do royalty “with a small ‘r’,” and told Eugene Levy: “Change is on my agenda. Change for good. I don’t fear it.”
During his visit to Brazil for his Earthshot Prize work, he spoke again about “the duty each generation owes the next.”
Meanwhile, the King Continues
Next month marks two years since King Charles was hospitalized for what was believed to be a prostate issue, only for doctors to discover cancer. The Palace has never specified which type, but he continues weekly treatments.
Perhaps William might reflect on the words of the original Iron Duke, who once wrote after Waterloo: “nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won.”
