Prince William to 'replace' Harry says expert following 'glimpse' from the future King

Prince William, Prince of Wales visits Fistral Beach on May 9, 2024 in Newquay, England. During his visit The Prince of Wales is meeting members of the Holywell Bay and Newquay Surf Life Saving Clubs which train and support volunteers to save lives and prevent drowning in open water.
-Credit: (Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)


Prince William hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace earlier this week, as Royal enthusiasts were particularly touched by one sentimental act.

The invitation extended to his cousins to join him in mingling with guests. William is understood to have personally extended invites to his cousins Peter Phillips, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie as well as Zara and Mike Tindall, to attend the celebration.

Despite applause for this warm-hearted gesture, a top Royal expert has dissected the implications, suggesting it gives more than a glimpse into familial ties but offers a "glimpse of the future."

Former BBC Royal reporter Jennie Bond suggests this move provides a rare window into how the monarchy may operate under King William's reign when he eventually succeeds his father.

Speaking to OK! she shared: "I thought it was joyful to see this new generation of royals step up to help William at one of the traditional engagements of the year."

Jennie continues: "What a shame it was raining, but I think their guests would have been genuinely thrilled to meet this younger, less formal and, let's face it, more fun generation of Royals.

"I think it gave us a glimpse of the future: when William becomes King. He may not have his brother at his side, but he will have a band of loyal and close relatives to help him represent the monarchy."

The Royal insider concluded: "I'm sure that, whenever they can, they will step up to help William when the burden of Kingship finally falls on his shoulders."

Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

Missing from the garden party's register were their two youngest relatives, Lady Louise Windsor, 20, currently studying at the University of St. Andrews, and James, Earl of Wessex at 16.

A flurry of engagements were called off in the past due to a challenging period and the King's recent return to tenure so as not to "divert attention" from the newly-initiated General Election campaign.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying: "Following the Prime Minister's statement this afternoon calling a general election, the Royal Family will in accordance with normal procedure postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign. Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result."

Despite this, the King and Queen are expected to attend the D-Day 80th anniversary events in Portsmouth and Normandy in June as per the schedule. However, other scheduled events in their meticulously planned Royal diaries will likely experience disruption due to these changes.

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.