Prince William planning ‘sweeping reforms’ to the royal family when he takes throne — including stripping titles
It might be hard to picture Prince William gripping a chainsaw with those famously gentle hands – the same man who recently ordered lemonade at a Wiltshire pub and left a $33 tip.
But according to new reports, the Prince of Wales may be preparing to cut through the royal establishment with surprising force once he becomes king.
When King William V eventually leaves Westminster Abbey, he may be ready to trim back titles, staff, and even palaces with the enthusiasm of an overexcited trainee arborist. Almost nothing appears off-limits.
Titles on the Line
The most dramatic move on his reported reform list involves stripping titles from several non-working royals. Prince Harry and Meghan, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie are among those who could lose their HRHs and princely styles. According to Tom Sykes of the Daily Beast and The Royalist Substack, the Sussexes may also be set to lose their dukedom entirely.
These sweeping changes form part of a broader plan for “sweeping reforms” that could reach everyone from Prince Harry to staffers who pour tea at Balmoral’s visitor center.
For months, Sykes has reported that power has increasingly shifted toward William since King Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis in early 2024. A friend of the prince even claimed: “Charles is weak. William is anything but weak.”
One source described William as “King in all but name now,” while another added: “The change of reign is happening in real time, whether they admit it or not.”
Buckingham Palace: A Future Without a Monarch?
Another major change could involve Buckingham Palace itself. Now that William and Kate have settled permanently into the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge, the Palace may never again serve as a royal residence. Instead, it could become the monarchy’s headquarters—an elaborate events and administrative center filled with priceless artwork but no full-time royals.
Even when William and Kate ultimately become King and Queen, they reportedly have no intention of moving into the Palace. The idea of relocating their children to the UK’s busiest tourist attraction offers little appeal.
Sykes reports that at school and within family settings, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis never use their titles. These titles could be “informally ‘parked’ until they become adults,” giving them the choice between royal duty or living as private citizens.
Staff Cuts and a New Working Model
Veteran biographer Robert Jobson told the Telegraph that William aims to “halve the amount of staff involved” once he becomes king. This shift would eliminate the traditional model often associated with Princess Anne – hundreds of annual visits, ribbon-cuttings, and plaque unveilings.
Instead, William and Kate prefer fewer ceremonial duties and more impact-driven work on climate change, mental health, and global initiatives.
This philosophical divide reportedly creates tension between Charles and his heir. Sykes notes that William sees his father’s love of uniforms and pageantry as outdated, while Charles views William’s approach as undervaluing duty.
A former royal staffer summarized it:
“To William, continuing to run the monarchy as though it were still an Edwardian institution feels absurd. To Charles, his son’s more casual approach can feel like a lack of respect for duty and tradition.”
William’s Public Vision for Change
William has already begun stating publicly that he intends to reshape the monarchy. In an interview last year, he said he wants to do royalty “with a small ‘r’,” and told Eugene Levy: “Change is on my agenda. Change for good. I don’t fear it.”
During his visit to Brazil for his Earthshot Prize work, he spoke again about “the duty each generation owes the next.”
Meanwhile, the King Continues
Next month marks two years since King Charles was hospitalized for what was believed to be a prostate issue, only for doctors to discover cancer. The Palace has never specified which type, but he continues weekly treatments.
Perhaps William might reflect on the words of the original Iron Duke, who once wrote after Waterloo: “nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won.”
