Prince William is scrapping strange royal traditions as future king
Prince William is preparing to reshape royal life as we know it – and those close to him say so RadarOnline.com he is already preparing to abandon some of the palace’s most idiosyncratic customs when his time comes to take the throne. From ornate robes and inherited estates to obscure ceremonial roles, the 43-year-old Prince of Wales has made it clear he wants to modernize the monarchy from top to bottom – which will infuriate courtiers and lead to job losses.
His recent comments about Apple TV+ The hesitant traveler offered the clearest hint yet. Speaking to actor Eugene Levy, William said: “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda.
“Change for good, and I embrace that. I’m not afraid of it. That’s the part that excites me, the idea of being able to make some change. Not overly radical, but changes that I think need to happen.”
A senior palace aide said: ‘William’s vision is a monarchy fit for the modern age – less pomp and circumstance, fewer outdated titles and a stronger focus on purpose. He is pragmatic about it. He knows that the monarchy can only survive if it evolves and remains meaningful to people’s lives.”
One of the first things on the chopping block, insiders say, are the elaborate outfits and regalia that have defined royal ceremonies for centuries. William, who prefers chinos and open-necked shirts to plumed hats and ermine robes, is said to find the obsession with costumes ‘ridiculous’.
A royal insider claimed: “William can’t stomach the more theatrical side of the royal tradition. The plumes, the velvet, the heavy robes – he thinks it’s all totally outdated and a bit camp. He’ll keep the dignity of the role, but he wants to strip away the excess and make it feel less like costume drama.”
He is also expected to streamline the monarchy’s age-old range of ceremonial roles – from Keeper of the Swans to Yeoman of the Glass Pantry.
A palace source claimed: “Some of these ceremonial positions have had no real purpose for centuries. William values history, but he is practical. He wants the Royal Household to function smoothly – not traditions kept just for show.”
The prince is also believed to be uncomfortable with the rigid deference that still surrounds the royal family – bows, prostrations and elaborate protocols that many consider outdated.
A source close to the royal family claimed: ‘William has never been comfortable with all the bending and bowing. He prefers someone to greet him naturally rather than following old protocols. He believes that the monarchy works best when it feels approachable and human.”
The Order of the Garter, one of Britain’s oldest and most elaborate ceremonies, is also up for review. William finds the sight of royals parading in velvet robes and carriages archaic and ‘medieval’.
An aide claimed: “William’s focus is on celebrating achievements, not ceremonies. He wants to shine the spotlight on those receiving accolades, not on the royals in elaborate outfits. For him, the spectacle must serve a purpose – and not exist just for the sake of tradition.”
And unlike his father, King Charles, who split his time between several estates, William plans to simplify his royal base.
An insider said: “William isn’t attracted to the idea of rotating between royal estates. Windsor will be home base, with Sandringham and Balmoral reserved for short stays. He wants stability for his family, not a lifetime of packing and unpacking.”
Behind the scenes, William has already modernized the day-to-day running of royal affairs, using WhatsApp to communicate with Duchy of Cornwall staff and cutting out unnecessary formalities.
One employee said: “William isn’t concerned with monograms or gold-embossed stationery. He’s practical: he wants systems that function smoothly, not trappings designed to impress.”
Royal experts warn that while William is right about downsizing the monarchy to please the public, he must be careful not to take his efforts too far.
The insider explained: ‘The monarchy endures because it evolves, but part of its power lies in pageantry. William’s real test will be finding that balance – bringing it into the modern world without taking away the wonder.”
