The Prince of Wales gave an incredible insight into his plans for the monarchy when he’s King, revealing he was not afraid to question tradition to make the institution “fit for purpose”.
His comments were made during an interview in October and offered the first real look at how William plans to rule when he accedes the throne after that of his father, King Charles.
“I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda,” Prince William told Eugene Levy.
Prince William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, ahead of the state banquet for visiting US President Donald Trump during his UK state visit on Wednesday September 17, 2025. (Princes and Princess of Wales/Matt Porteous)
“Change for good. The bit that excites me is the idea of being able to bring some change.”
While William did not go into specifics, there has been a lot of discussion in recent weeks that the Prince of Wales was a big influence on his father’s decision to strip Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his prince title, future-proofing the monarchy from further reputational damage.
One aspect of the royal family’s day-to-day workings that is guaranteed to be different from the current reign of King Charles III is the role of the three Wales children.
Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, are kept away from the spotlight as much as possible and attend only the most important of royal events.
READ MORE: Should royals be allowed to use their titles to earn money?
READ MORE: William and Kate tell their children ‘everything’ about her cancer battle
READ MORE: Why this 21-year-old princess really fled to Australia
Prince William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Trooping the Colour in June, 2025. (Instagram/princeandprincessofwales)
They are being left to have a childhood away from the cameras but they are likely to take on greater roles within the royal family when their father becomes King.
“Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis – they’re, surely, going to increase their official duties in some capacity [when that time comes],” nine.com.au’s royal reporter Natalie Oliveri says in the latest episode of Crown Duels
Watch the video above
Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter, however, says the situation could be a little different for George’s younger siblings.
“Prince George, for sure, he’s the future King, so yes – royal life, royal engagements, that is his future,” Arbiter says.
Prince George with the Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales join Second World War veterans at a tea party in Buckingham Palace, central London, following the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Picture date: Monday May 5, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story MEMORIAL VEDay. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire (Getty)
“With Charlotte and Louis, it’s a bit too early to say. I would be surprised if they didn’t have a royal role, but it’s also possible that William and Kate will say, ‘Guys, go and do your own thing first and then come back’.
“Really what it’ll come down to is numbers, because there’s going to be so few of them.”
The slimmed-down monarchy has long been talked about and under Charles III’s reign, the number of working royals is much fewer than when his mother was Queen.
Prince William is likely to face the same situation, Arbiter says.
”When William and Kate come to the throne without Harry and Meghan there as support, it’s going to be very slim indeed.
“So I think they’re probably going to need the children.”
For more, watch the full video below
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.