Prince William's vision for smaller Royal Family 'worrying' according to expert

Prince George, Prince William the Prince of Wales, Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte
-Credit: (Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)


Prince William is said to have further plans to streamline the Royal Family, a move that has left one expert concerned. Kate's first official outing since revealing her cancer treatment was met with delight from Royal enthusiasts as she stood, radiant and smiling, alongside her family.

The Princess of Wales was seen next to her husband Prince William on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Saturday's Trooping the Colour, beaming joyfully as she greeted the crowds below reports the Mirror.

Joining them at the King's official birthday celebration were their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, along with other members of the Royal Family, including King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Also present were Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh with their daughter Lady Louise. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent were also in attendance.

The King had reportedly chosen to uphold the late Queen Elizabeth's decision to only allow working royals on the balcony, thus preventing junior members from joining them. In past years, the expansive terrace was filled with lesser-known members all huddled together as they observed the fly-past.

It was seemingly viewed as an opportunity to celebrate the entire family in all its symbolic splendour.

Royal commentator Richard Eden has expressed concern over the recent trend of a less populated Royal balcony appearance. He highlighted the solitary presence of the Duke of Kent at a recent event, who in the past would have been joined by his family, including his wife, children, and granddaughters Lady Amelia and Lady Marina Windsor.

Eden also mentioned other lesser-known royals, such as Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Gabriella Windsor, were seemingly relegated to remain hidden behind the Centre Room curtain at Buckingham Palace, likening them to "some embarrassing relative."

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The King has continued his mother's practice of limiting the balcony appearances, a decision initially made to avoid having to exclude Prince Harry, Meghan, and the Duke of York while still barring non-working royals.

Despite Eden's view a more inclusive balcony scene with additional family members would be more uplifting, he was disappointed to learn there are no plans to alter this "uninspiring policy". He even suggested the display of Royal unity might become further limited in the future.

He revealed a conversation with a friend of Prince William post-weekend, expressing concern for the monarchy's future due to William's support for a streamlined Royal family. He said: "When the older members of the family retire, His Royal Highness won't be inviting anyone else to become working royals. It remains to be seen if he will even want his two younger children to be working royals," according to the Mirror.

With Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, being the only other sub-60 royal, it suggests when William ascends the throne with Kate as Queen, they might stand as the sole full-time royals. "That is what William wants," the insider alleges. "He sees the small European monarchies as the model for the future."

Originally, Harry and Meghan were pegged to significantly aid William and Catherine in their Royal duties, but their departure has disrupted the King's plans. To address this, the expert suggests William should emulate his grandmother, who enlisted her cousins' assistance.

Thus, William might need to reconsider his stance and look towards his own cousins Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, and the Earl of Wessex to help bear the Royal responsibilities when he becomes King.

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