The Royal Family has long been associated with tradition, but as the world evolves, so too does the monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II’s reign saw the introduction of several modern practices, from her televised coronation to more public engagements with the media, paving the way for a new era of royal life. Her son, King Charles III, has continued this trend by slimming down the royal household, reflecting a shift in priorities and a more streamlined approach to the monarchy. However, as attention turns to Prince William and his future reign, many anticipate that he will introduce even more significant changes to the monarchy, some of which will challenge long-standing traditions.

Prince William has been candid about his desire for change. In a recent appearance on Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler, William expressed his enthusiasm for the idea of modernizing the monarchy. “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good,” he told host Eugene Levy. He went on to say, “I embrace that and I enjoy that change—I don’t fear it. That’s the bit that excites me, is the idea of being able to bring some change.” This statement signals that Prince William is not only open to, but eager for, a more contemporary approach to the monarchy.

One area where William might be particularly keen to make a difference is in the royal family’s obsession with tradition, particularly when it comes to clothing. Royal garments have long been a point of fascination, often seen as a symbol of the family’s deep connection to history.

From the elaborate velvet robes worn on Garter Day to the plumed hats and heavy ceremonial outfits, the royal family’s attire has been as much about spectacle as it has been about tradition. However, for Prince William, the importance of these ceremonial costumes seems less clear. Journalist Melissa Twigg highlighted this in a recent article for The Telegraph, suggesting that William may be ready to overhaul what she calls the monarchy’s “obsession with costume.”
One prominent example of this reluctance to embrace royal attire came during the Garter Day ceremony, where William, dressed in the expected velvet cape, appeared visibly uncomfortable. “He has never looked more uncomfortable in his life than when I’ve seen him at Garter Day,” a friend of Twigg’s pointed out. This discomfort with royal garb is not a new sentiment for William. Many of the outfits worn by members of the royal family, especially during such ceremonies, have remained largely unchanged for over a century, trapped in the Victorian era. Twigg argues that this could be an area ripe for reform under William’s reign.

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, echoes this sentiment, suggesting that Prince William finds some of the royal pomp and circumstance, including the elaborate outfits, somewhat unnecessary. “I think William finds some of the pomp and circumstance, and particularly some of the more elaborate outfits, slightly embarrassing, and is likely to be relieved to be able to tone it down,” Seward said. The elaborate robes and heavy symbolism of these ceremonies may be on their way out, particularly if William has his way. There are even speculations that Garter Day itself might undergo a transformation when William becomes king. Traditionally, the event has been a large procession, with the royal family arriving in full regalia, but William might prefer to shift the focus to those being honored rather than on the royals themselves.
William’s attitude toward formal dress extends beyond his personal preferences, affecting the culture he fosters within the royal family and even in his staff. Under King Charles III, Duchy of Cornwall employees were expected to wear ties, a tradition that William has relaxed. Twigg noted that William does not require his staff to adhere to this strict dress code, which marks a departure from the more formal expectations of the previous generation. If William is willing to forgo formal dress for his staff, it seems likely that he will take a similar approach to the royal family’s traditional attire.
As for Garter Day, where the royals don their full regalia, there’s speculation that Prince William may want to rethink the entire ceremony. The procession and the focus on the royal family’s presence could be downplayed in favor of emphasizing those who are being honored. As Seward suggests, “I think he might want to put more emphasis on the people who are getting the honours rather than the royals.” This shift could signify a broader change in how the monarchy presents itself to the public—less about tradition and spectacle, and more about substance and humility.
This approach to change signals a departure from the more theatrical and old-fashioned elements of the monarchy. Prince William’s reign, it seems, will likely see the royal family moving away from certain rituals that, while rich in history, may no longer resonate with the modern world. The British public, as well as royal watchers around the world, can expect to see a more relaxed and less formal monarchy, one that may be better suited to the needs of today’s society.
Prince William’s willingness to embrace change, especially in areas like royal attire and ceremonial functions, points to his desire to modernize the monarchy while still maintaining the traditions that are central to its identity. While his reign will undoubtedly carry its own set of challenges, the possibility of a more streamlined, accessible monarchy presents an exciting evolution of an institution that has, at times, seemed unyielding to the passage of time. The question remains: Will the royal family, long synonymous with tradition, be able to strike a balance between maintaining its rich heritage and adapting to the demands of the modern world? Only time will tell.
Leave a Reply