It has long been said that Prince Charles plans to remove members of the royal family as working royals. A slimmer and leaner number for The Firm could help bring down the cost to taxpayers and modernize the monarchy.
However, such a plan might have grave consequences that could hurt the monarch. According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, when there are fewer working royals then there will also be fewer royal engagements.
This means that the royal family might have to handle fewer patronages. But a royal patronage commands such respectability that can help raise funds. Eventually, this could also mean that they will be able to do "less for charity."
In 2012, Prince Charles' vision of a slimmed-down royal family was apparently hinted when only five members joined Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace for her 60th anniversary as the monarch. They were Prince Charles, his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, his sons Prince William and Prince Harry, and his daughter-in-law Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.
The other children of the Queen, such as Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, as well as their spouses or children were excluded. This move apparently raised eyebrows among royal observers.
In recent events, Prince Charles' dream appeared to be slowly be taking heed as his brother, Prince Andrew, announced that he's stepping back from his royal duties indefinitely amid his controversies. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle also decided to move away and live in Canada, as well as give up on their royal duties.
Meanwhile, another royal expert said that in light of Prince Harry, Meghan and Prince Andrew's absence, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie could soon be given more royal responsibilities. Royal biographer Robert Lacey said that the daughters of the Duke of York will likely be "brought forward" and become the new working royals.
Lacey said that the royal family needs more of them to step forward now more than ever since it will still be 15 more years or so before Prince George and his generation can start their royal duties. Incidentally, however, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have private jobs and income, which might become a problem if they will be called upon to represent the Queen.
In the last few days, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, has also stepped up to take over the duties of Meghan. The wife of Prince Edward was recently sent to Sierra Leone and was also at a Buckingham Palace royal engagement.
