As King Charles III continues to receive treatment for cancer and the royal family adjusts to new demands and absences, Prince William is laying the groundwork for a leaner, more modern monarchy - one that insiders say will rely heavily on the loyalty and relatability of certain lesser-used royals, including Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, as well as Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
Beatrice and Eugenie, daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, have long operated outside the core group of working royals. But recent public appearances, including their arm-in-arm walk at the Chelsea Flower Show, have fueled speculation that Prince William may elevate their roles when he ascends the throne.
"When William ascends the throne, Beatrice and Eugenie will be valuable assets, and I'm certain they will get involved with royal duties," said Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine. "I see them as a sort of double act, working together in the same way as married couples do."
Eugenie, 35, and Beatrice, 36, both hold private-sector roles - at Hauser & Wirth and Afiniti respectively - and continue active philanthropic work. Eugenie joined the Prince and Princess of Wales at a recent Buckingham Palace garden party and was appointed as a mentor for The King's Foundation's 35 Under 35 network. Beatrice accompanied King Charles and Queen Camilla at an Elephant Family event and remains a Counsellor of State.
"They can't wait to help William reinvent the monarchy for a modern age and come out of the shadows as they both feel they've been sidelined until now," said a friend of the York family. "They are overjoyed it's 'their time'-and, most importantly, they will do what William says-unlike his brother."
William's vision reportedly extends to Sophie and Edward, whose ties to the Prince and Princess of Wales have remained strong. Royal commentator Jennie Bond noted that "Sophie and Edward were overshadowed because bigger stars in the family came along," but said both are expected to play a more prominent role. "At just sixty, she is a relatively young member of the senior royals... so I am sure there will be a major role for her in the future."
Sophie, often praised for her down-to-earth demeanor and support of Princess Kate during health challenges, has been described as the royal family's "secret weapon." According to Bond, "King William will be leaning heavily on both Sophie and Edward to support the monarchy in all it does in the future."
William is also keeping a close eye on the next generation. Louise Windsor, the 21-year-old daughter of Sophie and Edward, has thus far declined to use her princess title publicly and remains largely out of the spotlight while studying at the University of St Andrews - the same institution where William met Kate. Her reserved approach may appeal to William's vision of a duty-focused, low-cost royal family.
While King Charles has long supported a slimmed-down monarchy, the recent strain on senior royals due to health issues has reignited debate over the practicality of such a model. William's strategy - bringing trusted family members into clearer focus - reflects both modern pressures and a return to bloodline-based stability amid ongoing criticism of the institution.
