Even though Prince William isn’t king yet, many are speculating about what his reign could look like. Indeed, it is common for the media to look to the future. The same happened for then-Prince Charles when Queen Elizabeth was still on the throne.
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Some reports suggest that Prince William may be a very strict king. Moreover, as the future king steps up and takes on more responsibilities, he is said to expect the same from two family members who were not given their titles at birth.
Before Queen Elizabeth became older, Prince Edward and Sophie were less involved in the day-to-day requirements of the Royal Family. The couple also didn’t give their two children, Lady Louise and James Earl of Wessex titles to allow them a somewhat normal childhood. However, Prince William may have different plans.
Lady Louise and Viscount James could become working Royals
As mentioned above, Prince Edward and Sophie chose to keep their children away from the media when they were younger and opted not to give Louise and James HRH titles from birth.
As the two have gotten older, they are still leading a somewhat quiet life. Lady Louise is focusing on her education and is currently studying at St Andrew’s University, where Prince William met his wife, Princess Kate.
However, according to The Scottish Daily Express, speculation is rife that Prince William could be considering promoting his younger cousins to working royals. When Lady Louise turned 18 (now 21), she was given the option to use the title ‘Princess’ but refused.
When James turns 18 at the end of 2025, he will be given the same option. Sophie has previously said it is ‘highly unlikely’ Louise and James would use the titles Prince or Princess.
In an interview with The Sunday Times Magazine in 2020, Sophie revealed she and Prince Edward wanted to bring their children up with the knowledge they ‘are very likely to have to work for a living’.
Hence we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely.
Nonetheless, if Prince William offers to promote his cousins, they would receive public funding and would be required to take on public-facing engagements and events representing The Crown. Much like their parents, who now have become pillars of support for King Charles and Prince William—especially given that there are less and less working royals to count on.
Prince Edward and Sophie take on more responsibilities
However, it wasn't always like this as Prince Edward and Sophie didn’t become full-time working royals until 2002. Even when they started taking on the responsibility, they weren’t in the spotlight as much as then-Prince Charles and Princess Anne.
Over time, the couple has more prominent within the Firm and Sophie, noticeably, became ‘a proper asset’ for the late Queen. A source said:
The King and Queen are much more understanding and aware of the role they have been playing, and as they've come more into the spotlight, the rest of the family have appreciated that more. The [late] Queen always knew it. Sophie is a proper asset.
This continued after the Queen's death and into King Charles' reign.
As reported by Tatler, in 2024, the Duchess of Edinburgh was named the fourth hardest-working royal, carrying out 257 royal engagements. Indeed, Sophie stepped up in 2024 and was a source of support for the King as he took a step back for health reasons. As per Tatler, Sophie is often referred to as the family’s ‘secret weapon’.
Not only has Sophie stepped up in recent years, Prince Edward has as well. The Duke of Edinburgh has been given more important roles and engagements to undertake. Indeed, Prince Edward attended Jimmy Carter’s funeral in the US as a representative of the Royal Family.
The funeral marked the Duke’s first overseas engagement of the year. As reported by GB News, Prince Edward was seated next to Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister and Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General.
Moreover, both Prince Edward and Sophie have taken on more engagements in recent years after several members of the family left royal life, including Prince Harry and Meghan moving to the US and Prince Andrew being forced to step down.
It seems their prominence will continue on during Prince William's reign, not just because they are hard-working royals, but also their close relationship with the heir's family.
Prince William’s relationship with his aunt and uncle
According to Daily Beast's royal editor Tom Sykes, Prince Edward and Sophie have ‘won the trust and affection’ of Prince William and Princess Kate. He claimed:
[They] have successfully won the trust and affection of William and Kate and they are likely to be rewarded with a promotion when William’s reign begins.
Sykes believes this trust and affection could be extended to his cousins, Lady Louise and Viscount James. Indeed, when Prince William and Princess Kate tied the knot in 2011, Lady Louise was one of Kate’s bridesmaids.
According to Hello!, it has been said that when Prince William takes the throne, Prince Edward may become the family member he relies on most and he could be Prince William’s closest adviser.
Read more:
Prince William: Royal expert claims his potential reign could benefit two royals in particular
Duke of Kent steps down as Colonel of the Scots Guards, gives major role to Prince Edward
Experts predict what monarchy under Prince George will look like
Sources used:
The New York Post: ‘Prince William has ‘big plans’ for these two royal family members who refused HRH titles’
Tatler: ‘With Sophie, it’s not all about her’: The Duchess of Edinburgh will play a more prominent role in the monarchy under Prince William’s reign, sources say’
The Scottish Daily Express: ‘Royal family member to 'refuse HRH title' despite Prince Wiliam having 'big plans' for the future’
The Scottish Daily Express: ‘Prince William planning shock promotion for two 'unknown' royals as he prepares for Princess Anne clash’
The Sunday Times: ‘Can Sophie, Countess of Wessex, steady the royal ship?’
GB News: ‘Prince Edward attends major event in the US alongside Donald Trump’
Hello!: ‘Why Prince Edward could become Prince William's closest adviser’
