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Prince William has special plans for his kids and brother Prince Harry when he ascends the British throne. Since the revelation of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, the Prince of Wales has lived with the consciousness of his imminent ascension to a position he’s trained for his entire life. Whether this transition happens sooner or later, the palace already has plans in place for making things as smooth as possible. Likewise, William, who has gradually taken on more diplomatic responsibilities in recent years in preparation for his future role no doubt has a better picture of the kind of monarch he wants to become. While these plans reportedly involve a more modernized, slimmed-down monarchy, there would always be room for his brother to assist him, just as they’ve envisioned from childhood.
A special episode of 60 Minutes Australia which aired Sunday dived deep into these plans, with several experts and insiders offering their rare thoughts on Prince William’s future on the throne. The documentary also touched on the roles other royals had to play in making it possible, as well as some of the prince’s most notable ups and downs over the years.
Prince William Would Lead Britain His Own Way
During the episode, The Sunday Times’ Royal Editor Roya Nikkhah discussed Prince William’s visionary plans to rule Britain with his own tactfully reinvented rulebook. Roya explained how the Prince and Princess of Wales were already going at it their own way even without the burden of the crown. Hence, becoming monarch would not suddenly make the pair any different. The royal editor also highlighted the royals’ efforts to ease Prince William into his future role, with some of the earliest indications seen in his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Paris.
According to her, the meeting, which made William the first senior British figure to meet Trump after his re-election, was a reflection of “the soft power diplomacy of our monarchy.” Former royal Aide, Jason Knauf, who once worked as Kate and William’s communications secretary added,
“The thing I have heard from Prince William is you’re going to do things in your own way, Every generation of the Royal Family jas to reinvent the role for the generation that they serve.”
Jason further discussed where the palace and the rest of the royal family come in. The former royal aide explained how William has trained his whole life to become King, with private family conversations, personal lessons, and duties leading up to this point all gearing him up for the role. Similarly, his son, Prince George also faces the same lessons, leading him on the right path as he grows up.
William and Kate’s Kids Would Have First-Hand Experience of the New Monarchy
While Prince William’s fate as future King is sealed, a major concern for him and his wife is how their kids would navigate the publicity that comes with growing up as royal kids. Jason explained how the majority of this concern stems from William’s difficult experience growing up in the spotlight.
Having passed through the daunting ordeal of navigating the spotlight with his brother throughout their lives, he understood what lay in wait for his own children. According to Jason, while the thought of that left William and Kate worried over their kids’ future, they’ve gotten a hang of things in recent years. He divulged,
“His childhood in front of the media was quite difficult at times. And then he knew that he was going to be raising his kids to deal with social media and mobile phones, I definitely saw the worried mum and dad behind the scenes, but a lot less in recent years, which has been fantastic for them as a family.”
Where Does Prince Harry Stand?
Prince William’s plans for the monarchy may also require the input of his brother, Prince Harry, who has worked well with him in the past. Asked about the Duke of Sussex’s potential role in his brother’s royal era, Jason acknowledged their past team efforts which proved they worked best with each other’s support. However, given the long-prevailing royal rift, their future together remains uncertain. He explained,
“I can’t speculate on the future. They achieved a lot together and none of that can ever be taken away. This may be an extraordinary family that everyone gets to talk about and write about and see, be interviewed, and all that sort of stuff. But at the end of the day, it’s a family.”
Grant Harrold, a former royal butler had a more reassuring response, stating without a doubt that Prince William would want Harry to play a part in his coronation. The Duke on the other hand may feel reluctant to abandon his life in the United States to return to the royal fold to take his place by his brother’s side. Notwithstanding, Grant believes he would certainly come through to support his brother, putting their differences aside.
Prince Harry himself has affirmed his desire to be there for his brother, who he loves dearly. The 40-year-old once acknowledged that while they had good days and bad days as brothers, and threaded different paths, their love would always prevail regardless. The princes would have a chance to display the full extent of that love when Prince William takes on his future role as the British monarch, putting into effect his carefully orchestrated plans for a new era.
