The heir to the throne is already planning on how to shape the monarchy when he takes over from King Charles
Prince William, 42, is expected to create the first new working royals for a generation, after speculation that he may surprise everyone by promoting two relatively unknown family members.
This move could put him at odds with his aunt, Princess Anne, regarding her future role within the monarchy.
The plans for William’s ascension have accelerated since King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, prompting both Buckingham and Kensington palaces to act swiftly.
Keen to prevent a disorderly transition, William has already outlined his vision for the future of the monarchy.
This could potentially be bad news for Princess Anne, 74, known as the ‘hardest-working royal’ due to her commitment to hundreds of engagements annually. Royal expert Tom Skyes from The Daily Beast suggests that William may not favour this approach.
He quoted Anne’s “raison d’être is zooming around the country squeezing in 500-plus engagements a year,” adding: “William has made it clear he doesn’t see that as the family’s role anymore, preferring a tiny number of limited, high-impact engagements and events to the paternalistic, seen-to-be-believed, helicopter-riding royal attitude of old.”
While Anne may find herself no longer needed – much depending on William’s ascension to the throne – William’s bond with his Uncle Edward could prove beneficial. Sykes suggests that the Duke of Edinburgh and his wife Princess Sophie, 59, who are “neither great friends nor enemies” of the King, have earned the trust and affection of William and Kate, which could result in a promotion once William takes the throne, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
He even speculates this could extend to their children, Viscount James and Lady Louise. Both have largely stayed out of the public eye, only appearing at events alongside their parents.
Known for her passion for horse riding, Louise, 20, served as a bridesmaid at William’s wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011 and has been seen at significant events such as Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and the King’s Coronation. James, who became Earl of Wessex in 2023, is just 16 and was the only younger Royal to attend the Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle earlier this year, having also only been seen at major events with his parents.