Prince William’s Agenda for Change: A Modern Monarchy Takes Shape
A new era for the British monarchy is on the horizon,with Prince William signaling a clear intention to reshape the institution upon his ascension to the throne.Recent statements and actions suggest a departure from tradition, driven by a desire to address contemporary societal concerns and ensure the monarchy’s continued relevance.
Prince William has already demonstrated a willingness to break with established norms, most notably in his pivotal role regarding Prince Andrew. Buckingham Palace announced that Andrew would no longer utilize his official titles, stating the Prince of Wales had been “consulted” on the decision.However, reports indicate William was the primary force behind the move, a glimpse into the changes he envisions.He has already taken concrete steps to distance himself from his uncle, notably banning him from the Order of the Garter procession.Further indications suggest William will exclude Andrew from both public and private roles within the monarchy.
Compared to the more traditional, entitled view of the monarchy, William appears to represent a more “efficient” model – one focused on proactive engagement and societal impact.
William’s ambition extends beyond symbolic gestures. He aims to fundamentally alter how the monarchy operates on a daily basis, though the extent of change achievable remains to be seen. As head of state, he will inherit notable constitutional obligations, including delivering the King’s Speech during the annual State Opening of Parliament – a display of ceremony that may seem at odds with a pared-down vision.
Despite these constraints, William possesses considerable influence. The monarch retains the right to be consulted, to encourage, and to warn the government, a principle known as the tripartite convention. William has publicly stated his intention to “engage governments” on issues he prioritizes,and this convention provides a formal avenue for doing so. His father, King Charles, has already begun to utilize this influence, successfully encouraging the launch of the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime. Keir Starmer, a prominent political figure, has even acknowledged that the King’s vision for sustainable housing “inspired” government policy.
William has consistently focused on issues with a clear social purpose – climate change, homelessness, and mental health – and intends to continue this work as king.He has expressed a desire to create “a world … that actually does impact people’s lives for the better.” His 2023 efforts to secure government support for his anti-homelessness initiative, Homewards, demonstrate his proactive approach. Weekly audiences with the prime minister will provide him with direct access to the highest levels of government.
Navigating this path requires a delicate balance. William must remain politically neutral, adhering to the constitutional obligation Bagehot identified as crucial to avoiding a “meddling” monarchy.King Charles is already testing these boundaries,but has so far avoided significant criticism,likely due to public support for addressing issues like knife crime. William will likely focus on areas of broad consensus, such as ending homelessness, to minimize political friction.
Modernization will also extend to the financial aspects of the monarchy. William has indicated a desire to move away from a system of numerous patronages and engagements, instead focusing on a smaller number of core projects. This would likely result in a reduction in working royals, staff, and overall costs for taxpayers. Bagehot once suggested the royal family should “dazzle” with displays of wealth, but William’s recent decision to relocate his family to Forest Lodge – a relatively modest residence – signals a shift towards a more understated approach, aligning with the “bicycling monarchies” of Europe, were royals frequently enough integrate more seamlessly into everyday life.
This awareness of public perception is evident in William’s handling of the Prince Andrew situation. He recognizes the importance of addressing the message sent by Andrew’s continued presence, notably to victims of sexual abuse. Ultimately, William understands that the monarchy’s survival depends on its ability to solve problems, not create them, and that a figure like Andrew has no place in that future.
Francesca Jackson, a PhD candidate at Lancaster Law School, Lancaster University, concludes that William’s vision represents a essential shift in the monarchy’s purpose and operation, one that acknowledges the need for both tradition and adaptation in the 21st century.
