Prince William is steadfast in his commitment to a slimmed-down monarchy, a vision that aligns with King Charles' desire to modernize the British royal family. This approach, however, is drawing mixed reactions from royal insiders and commentators, as it poses significant challenges for the current and future state of the monarchy.
Under King Charles' reign, the monarchy has aimed to avoid the crowded balcony scenes of the past, filled with non-working royals and their families. The absence of key figures like the Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal, who are currently unavailable due to health reasons, has underscored how thinly stretched the remaining working royals are in their engagements and charity work.
Despite these challenges, there appears to be no intention of bringing additional royals into the fold to ease the burden. This strategy, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes, is a positive move. "I still hold to the idea that the slimmed-down Royal Family IS indeed the right model for the future," Bond told OK!. "It's in line with most European monarchies and is sensitive to the constant criticism that the royal family cost taxpayers too much."
Bond suggests that instead of adding new working royals, Prince William's approach of occasionally drafting in cousins for special events is a clever compromise. "It makes such occasions even more special and allows those cousins to get on with their lives as they wish, without the strictures of the royal diary," she added.
Richard Eden of the Daily Mail revealed that Prince William is determined to uphold his father's vision of a pared-down monarchy. "He told me: 'When the older members of the family retire, His Royal Highness won't be inviting anyone else to become working royals,'" a source close to William disclosed.
Eden also noted that it remains uncertain whether William will even want his two younger children to become working royals. With Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, being the only other royal under 60, there is speculation that by the time William ascends the throne and Kate becomes Queen, they might be the sole full-time royals. "That is what William wants," the insider asserted. "He sees the small European monarchies as the model for the future."
Princess Anne has expressed skepticism about the viability of a more streamlined monarchy. In an interview with CBC News, she remarked, "Well, I think the 'slimmed down' was said in a day when there were a few more people around. It doesn't sound like a good idea from where I'm standing."
Royal biographer Christopher Andersen echoed these concerns, noting the immense pressure this model places on the core members of the royal family. "At the moment, Kate is at her most vulnerable. The ground beneath Kate is shifting in major ways. Only time can tell if she can stand strong," Andersen told OK!.
The recent health issues of King Charles and Princess Anne have already put a strain on the royal family's operations, highlighting the potential impracticality of a leaner monarchy. "The simple truth is that the royal family cannot be whittled down to a precious few without the risk of having it grind to a halt altogether," Andersen explained.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams agreed, stating that having a smaller team is "impractical," as unexpected events can quickly disrupt their duties. "Princess Anne's accident this week shows what can happen, quite unexpectedly," Fitzwilliams said. "It depends on what is wanted of the royal family."
