The Royal Family is currently experiencing changes like never before. 2024 has hit the Firm hard, and talks about Prince William's reign have gained momentum following concerns about King Charles as he struggles with his health. This revelation has stirred speculation that William could ascend to the throne sooner than expected.
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Reports have suggested that despite the King resuming work after his diagnosis, aides and royals alike are considering what Prince William’s reign will be like. Interestingly, two royals are tipped to get more limelight than the others.
Prince William may promote two royals in his reign
Prince William’s reign is expected to bring about significant changes within the royal hierarchy. According to one expert, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie, could likely to benefit from these shifts.
Edward and Sophie—who became the first royal to talk about menopause ever—have long been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the monarchy. The two have stepped up whenever needed, especially during the health issues that have plagued King Charles and the Princess of Wales in recent times, reports The Express.
Royal correspondant for Daily Beast, Tom Sykes believes Edward and Sophie will likely be rewarded for their loyalty, trustworthiness, given their growing rapport with Prince William and Kate.
Sykes claims that Edward and Sophie are ‘neither great friends nor enemies’ of the King. However, they have still ‘successfully won the trust and affection’ of the future monarch and may get a promotion. He also speculated that their children Lady Louise Windsor and James could play a key role in William’s reign as well.
Meanwhile, he claims Princess Anne—the hardest working royal—may feel left out in William’s reign as her approach doesn’t align with his vision for the monarchy. He reportedly favours fewer but more impactful engagements, steering away from the traditional, hands-on approach that Princess Anne has embodied. Sykes said:
Her [Princess Anne's] raison d’être is zooming around the country squeezing in 500-plus engagements a year.
William has made it very 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.
Prince William’s potential reign causes anxiety amongst staff
Sykes also claims that the ‘planning and positioning’ of William as the King has already begun within the Royal Family—and it's causing major concerns internally. As talks of William’s reign continue, palace aides and courtiers are feeling the strain.
Allegedly, courtiers, family, and aides of the Royal Family underwent a ‘what-happens-now horror and doubt’ amid King’s health scare. There is particular worry among the palace aides about what their futures hold once William becomes King. Many recall the swift layoffs that followed Queen Elizabeth II’s death and fear similar drastic measures.
Some aides are understood to have quietly updated their LinkedIn profiles in anticipation of potential upheaval within the royal household.
Apart from the aides, Queen Camilla’s place in the monarchy may also be questioned. Rumour has it that King Charles wants Prince Andrew to vacate the Royal Lodge so that Camilla can live there when he's gone.
Read more:
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Prince William accused of hypocrisy over £800K in profits from car showroom
Sources used:
The Express: Two key royals set for promotion under Prince William - but Princess Anne to miss out
Cosmopolitan: The Rise of "King William" Is Causing Chaos in the Palace and "Tearing the Royal Family Apart"
The Daily Beast: Secret Plans for King Charles’ Death Are Already Tearing the Royal Family Apart
