Prince William’s approach to monarchy and royal life is shaping up to be distinctly different from the generations before him. As the Prince of Wales, he has already indicated a desire to modernize the British monarchy, steering it away from outdated traditions that no longer serve a functional purpose in the contemporary world. His recent appearance on The Reluctant Traveler with comedian Eugene Levy gave insight into the prince’s thoughts on change, particularly how he plans to balance royal duties with his family’s evolving needs and modern values.
During the show, William shared candid reflections on how his wife Catherine’s health challenges have influenced his perspective on family life and his approach to parenting. He expressed a clear preference for a more informal, less ceremonial monarchy, stating, “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda… change for good, and I embrace that.” However, he also acknowledged that while change is inevitable, it needs to be gradual and thoughtful—nothing too radical, but adjustments that will bring the monarchy into a new era.
One area that seems ripe for William’s modernizing touch is the monarchy’s long-standing obsession with formal costumes. Known for his preference for a more relaxed style, William is said to find some of the more extravagant royal outfits, such as the velvet robes and plumed hats worn at the Order of the Garter, “slightly embarrassing.” His down-to-earth style—often seen in simple blue chinos and a jumper—suggests that he may choose to streamline the royal dress code, toning down some of the more theatrical elements that have persisted since the Victorian era. Already, staff at the Duchy of Cornwall have adapted to a less formal approach, with fewer occasions requiring the wearing of ties, a shift from the traditional dress code under his father, King Charles III.
Beyond attire, William has also hinted at slimming down the monarchy itself. The British royal family still retains some curious titles and jobs—like “Keeper of the Swans” and “Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports”—that may seem out of place in the 21st century. While William is unlikely to eliminate these roles overnight, he has made it clear that he envisions a more efficient, less cumbersome royal household. His goal appears to be a more streamlined structure, with a focus on functionality rather than preserving outdated traditions. As royal historian Hugo Vickers points out, this modernization may lead to fewer working royals and the simplification of many of the royal court’s ceremonial roles.
An area that is almost certain to undergo change is the royal protocol around deference. Prince William has long shown discomfort with the elaborate bowing and curtseying rituals that accompany royal life. “I think that is something he will definitely want to change,” said Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine. The Prince of Wales has made it clear that he prefers a more personal, informal approach when it comes to addressing people, often requesting that others call him “William” instead of the more formal “Your Royal Highness.” He is likely to extend this preference to his children, with the idea that once they reach adulthood, they will not be expected to endure the rigid protocols of the past, such as bowing or curtseying to those in higher positions.
Another tradition that may face reinvention is the annual Order of the Garter ceremony, one of the most elaborate events in the royal calendar. Traditionally, this event includes a grand procession, with royals donning their finest robes and riding in carriages. However, William may be keen to place more emphasis on honoring the recipients of the Garter itself, rather than focusing on the royal participants. “I have a feeling that he thinks it all looks a bit ridiculous, like they are in fancy dress,” says Seward, suggesting that William may seek to make the ceremony more meaningful by shifting the focus away from the royal family’s appearance and towards the individuals being honored.
One of the more practical changes that William is likely to embrace is the way in which the royal family manages its estates. King Charles, known for his frequent travel between his various homes, including Sandringham and Balmoral, may find his approach to royal residences at odds with his son’s plans. Prince William is expected to base himself primarily at Windsor, especially as his children grow up and attend school nearby. This more centralized approach to living, rather than hopping between multiple residences, will likely bring a more grounded and consistent royal presence.
Finally, William’s method of communication with his staff further highlights his modern outlook. He reportedly uses WhatsApp to manage his Duchy of Cornwall estate, which would likely be a source of bewilderment for his more traditional family members. While his father, King Charles, favors royal insignia on everything from napkins to letterheads, it is unlikely that William will follow suit. He is expected to avoid unnecessary displays of royal decoration, preferring a more straightforward approach to day-to-day royal life.
The idea of modernizing the monarchy is not without its challenges. The public’s attachment to tradition and ceremony plays a significant role in what makes the British royal family so captivating. As Vickers suggests, William’s task will be to strike a balance between the formal and the informal, to bring about the necessary changes while still maintaining the elements of royal life that are beloved by the public. The success of this balancing act could be crucial to ensuring the monarchy remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Prince William’s approach to the monarchy represents a new chapter in royal life—one where tradition and modernization coexist in a way that reflects the needs and values of contemporary society. Whether or not these changes will be embraced by the public remains to be seen, but William’s readiness to embrace change for the good of the monarchy shows a thoughtful, adaptive approach to leadership. As the future King of the United Kingdom, his reign promises to be one that blends tradition with modernity, ensuring the royal family continues to serve its people while adapting to the world around them.
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