In a move that has raised eyebrows among royal watchers, Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, recently announced their intention to hire a CEO for their royal household. This decision, which seems to be a departure from traditional royal protocol, has been met with both curiosity and caution.
Biographer Christopher Andersen, who has penned several books on the British royal family, expressed his reservations about the new role. He warned that the introduction of a CEO position in the Wales household might overshadow the team of King Charles, the current monarch. "I'm sure William and Kate believe they're assisting Charles in 'streamlining' the monarchy with this new CEO post. However, it appears they're merely adding another layer of bureaucracy," Andersen remarked.
The biographer went on to describe the intricate dynamics within the royal households, referencing the influential roles of private and deputy private secretaries. These individuals, often referred to as the 'Men in Gray' by the late Princess Diana, have historically held significant sway behind the scenes. Andersen noted, "Even the king defers to them, just as his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did." With the introduction of a CEO, there's potential for even more internal power struggles, as this individual would report directly to the Duke and Duchess, potentially creating their "empire within palace walls."
Andersen's advice to the royal couple was straightforward: adhere to the established protocols. He suggested that the Duke and Duchess should emulate the standards set by King Charles during his tenure as the Prince of Wales. "This move might lead to more backstabbing and intrigue," Andersen warned. "William and Kate should stick to the basics. They've found success in their current approach. If it isn't broken, don't fix it."
The decision to hire a CEO also sheds light on the inner workings of the monarchy, often referred to as 'The Firm.' Andersen opined that the CEO position, designed to make the monarchy appear more business-efficient, might be "woefully misguided." He explained, "People don't want reminders that 'The Firm' is a multibillion-dollar enterprise. The term 'CEO' feels cold. The public cherishes the history and romance associated with the British monarchy."
The job description for the CEO position further elucidates the role's responsibilities. The individual will serve as "the most senior and accountable leader for the Household of The Prince and Princess of Wales." Reporting directly to the royal couple, the CEO will be tasked with overseeing both their official and private offices, fostering "a positive, collaborative, and professional culture."
As the royal family continues to evolve and adapt to modern times, decisions like these will undoubtedly spark debates about tradition versus innovation. Only time will tell how this new addition to the royal household will impact the monarchy's future.
