An expert discusses Prince William's response to Prince Harry and Prince Andrew's actions, which put the monarchy at risk.
King Charles III is still undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.
It is reported that Prince William is taking an unexpected action in response to his father's downsized monarchy not achieving the desired results.
Hilary Fordwich, a British royals expert, stated that all eyes are on King Charles' heir as he tries to unite his family and strengthen it after a series of scandals and health issues.
Fordwich stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that a father of three young children who is "at a crossroads" may seek assistance from unexpected family members.
According to Fordwich, the success of William's approach hinges on whether Prince Edward's children and other young royals are willing and capable of capturing public interest.
"Their private upbringing may not have prepared them for the traditional royal path, but the mounting pressure to fulfill their roles may force them to suppress their personal preferences."
The Scottish Daily Express reported that William, 42, had been considering giving his cousins, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, a chance at becoming working members of "The Firm." Following this report, Fordwich made his claims.
If William's offer were accepted by Edward's children, they would receive public funding but also be required to fulfill public duties as representatives of the crown.
Edward's children have been hesitant royals as teenagers, according to Fordwich. Their parents aimed to give them a normal childhood away from the public eye, which means they lack experience.
"Prince Edward wants his kids to have more independence, unlike the traditional route, while Prince William understands that the monarchy must find equilibrium between productivity and the public's desire for royal presence."
Experts have noted that the monarchy has become too slender, despite reports suggesting that the king, 76, has always desired a leaner royal family.
In 2019, Charles' plan was affected when his brother, Prince Andrew, announced he was stepping away from royal duties. In a statement, the Duke of York admitted that his association with Jeffrey Epstein was a major disruption to his family's work.
In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back as senior royals and relocate to California. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex cited the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British press as the reasons for their departure. Since then, they have been estranged from the royal family.
In 2024, the royal family faced a barrage of health problems.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, previously told Planet Chronicle Digital that Princess Catherine announced an abdominal operation, the king announced a prostate operation, and the king announced that he had cancer.
Seward stated, "Catherine announced she has cancer, and life's challenges added to the difficulties. It has been challenging because there were not many individuals to support us."
"The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and her husband, Timothy Laurence, and Queen Camilla are all working hard, but you are missing everybody else. Charles' slimmed-down monarchy has been a little bit too slimmed down."
In 2024, Princess Anne and Queen Camilla both sustained health issues - a concussion and a chest infection, respectively.
William is searching for ways to ease tension within the royal family as he looks towards the monarchy's future. Despite facing obstacles, he remains determined to find solutions.
"The 'slimmed-down' concept has faced internal resistance from some family members who feel threatened, according to Fordwich. The need to maintain support for Andrew's daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, while also reducing the royal roster has created internal family tension."
She stated that Prince William's strategy of offering Prince Edward's children royal duties and titles they previously rejected reflects his wise effort to modernize the monarchy by broadening its base of younger royals to participate in engagements.
"Their mother's approach of discretion, in contrast to Meghan and Harry, as well as her commitment and genuine desire to serve, has helped the royal family maintain relevance, which Prince William values."
Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal expert, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the Prince of Wales is under pressure to strengthen the monarchy promptly.
"According to Fitzwilliams, the departure of Harry, Meghan, and Andrew has caused the problem. If the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's children were to take up royal duties, this would solve the issue. However, although it is a possibility, it is far from decided. Lady Louise is still a student."
No decision on this has been taken, and it may be a matter for Charles or William, Fitzwilliams added.
According to Roya Nikkhah, royals editor for The Sunday Times, it was "highly unlikely" that Louise or James would ever consider stepping up as working royals. She emphasized that their parents prioritized giving them a normal upbringing.
"Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, revealed that her children decided not to use HRH titles. While they have the option to use them, she believes it's highly unlikely."
According to Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner, when it comes to recruiting more relatives to take on royal duties, "all bets are off," as The Firm has been "stretched to the limit."
"If Harry and Meghan had been allowed to continue their duties, it would have been easier, but their popularity may have increased again, which William saw as a risk too far. Greek tragedies have been following the royal family lately."
"Andrew stated that the rumors about him wanting to work for charities are a sideshow, despite his desire to reinvent himself."
Fordwich highlighted that the royal family is currently grappling with a fine line between the king's vision of a streamlined monarchy and maintaining traditional values while undergoing public scrutiny and adapting to the changing tastes of the younger generation.
Prince Harry's security woes cannot be resolved by King Charles, according to the author.
William is responsible for ensuring that the next generation is served appropriately," she stated. "Harry, Meghan, and Andrew have worsened the situation, but Prince William will not jeopardize the family's future by risking their involvement.
"The monarchy's public image of family unity has been undermined by the family's blindsided incidents and indiscretions. This has added unwanted pressure to William."
The royal family's future is bright, as agreed upon by all royal experts, with William and Kate Middleton leading the way.
"Horse racing is like their favorite sport," said Pelham Turner. "William and Kate are in the lead, followed closely by Charles and Camilla. Edward and Sophie are gaining ground on the inside, while Andrew is trailing behind."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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