There will come a time when Prince William ascends to the throne as Britain's Monarch, and that day will undoubtedly bring changes for several members of the royal family. This includes his stepmother, Queen Camilla, his devoted sister Anne, and his somewhat estranged brother and sister-in-law. King Charles faces immense pressure as he navigates his role while ensuring peace within the royal family and honoring the legacy left by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
However, this isn’t a narrative that will simply be whispered in pubs, debated on talk shows, or splashed across tabloid headlines for years to come. The royal family is not merely a group of individuals donning fancy hats and waving from balconies; they embody British history, tradition, and values. They are meant to rise above petty squabbles and celebrity drama, representing something enduring—something greater than any one individual. This is precisely what Princess Anne is fighting to preserve under the reign of King William I.
By drawing a firm line in the sand and effectively exiling certain individuals from the slimmed-down monarchy, she is stating, “This is what we stand for—take it or leave it.” And you know what? The British public is responding positively to her stance. Princess Anne once left Meghan Markle speechless when the actress sought her out for advice early in her royal career. The Princess Royal reportedly advised the Duchess of Sussex to view her royal duties as a job rather than a means to achieve fame. She emphasized the importance of showing up, fulfilling obligations, and representing the Queen.
Let’s take a moment to revisit King Charles's grand vision of a streamlined monarchy. It was intended to be sleek, efficient, and focused on the core members of the royal family—a noble idea aimed at making the monarchy more relevant in the 21st century. But then, hurricane Harry and Meghan hit. These two didn’t just leave; they swung a wrecking ball at the entire institution. While they enjoyed life in Montecito, who was left to pick up the pieces? That’s right—the royals who remained and prioritized duty.
When discussing the concept of a slimmed-down monarchy, Princess Anne is said to have made a pointed remark. “I think the slimmed-down monarchy was mentioned during a time when there were a few more people around to make that seem like a justifiable comment.” This reference to “a few more people” led many to believe she was alluding to her estranged nephew and niece who chose to step back as working royals, as well as Prince Andrew, who resigned from public life.
Princess Anne’s words carry weight, and according to sources, Meghan didn't stick around to hear much more. Interestingly, Anne may or may not be aware of how her remarks come across as a subtle rebuke. Or perhaps she knows exactly what she’s doing. When our beloved Catherine of Wales required time to recover from surgery, where were Harry and Meghan? Were they offering support? Were they stepping up to help? In light of King Charles's health challenges, you’d think his own son might show a hint of concern. But no, Harry and Meghan seem too engrossed in their little dramas to spare a thought for the family they left behind.
Reports indicate that while the King has been open to reconciling with Prince Harry, the same cannot be said for Prince William. In fact, sources close to the Prince of Wales suggest that he is entirely done with his younger brother after everything that has transpired within the family. His decision is swift and final; he believes it’s better for relations to be non-existent.
Yet, on a personal note, Prince William’s willingness to acknowledge his brother on his birthday suggests that he intends to treat Harry with distant respect when he becomes king, maintaining a more-than-arms-length relationship.
