Prince William Might Change a 600-Year-Old Royal Tradition When He Becomes The King
Speculation suggests Prince William might be crowned the King of the U.K. sooner than expected, and the preparations for his new role are underway. With his new ideas and modern way of running the royal household, the future monarch is expected to introduce several changes during his reign. According to experts, the heir to the throne might also challenge a 600-year-old tradition under his rule.
Royal experts Andrea Caamano, Emmy Griffiths, Emily Nash, and Hannah Furness sat together to discuss the recent royal events on Hello! Magazine’s A Right Royal Podcast. The experts discussed how the traditional ceremonies, which have been a part of the royal family’s heritage, could change once William sits on the throne. One of the recent events, where King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the rest of the royals came together, was the Order of the Garter ceremony.
Throwing light on the specific dress code for the event, Nash said, “They wear these incredible velvet and ermine robes and feathered caps. There's quite a lot of pomp and pageantry… It's quite a jolly day out.” Claiming that the Prince of Wales may axe this tradition, she continued, “I would say [William] is less comfortable with that degree of pomp and pageantry.” In the same vein, Furness echoed, “I think by instinct he is very savvy about what the monarchy is going to look like in the modern world and probably views things like these very traditional ceremonies through the lens of, 'What does his generation think about it, what do the next generation think about it?’”
However, the age-old tradition might not be abandoned so easily after all. Suggesting that the prince may embrace the vibrant side of monarchy, she opined, “But he is also a member of the Royal Family, and if you believe in the monarchy, these things are the heart of the monarchy.” For the unversed, Garter Day was established by King Edward III in 1348. It is the oldest Order of Chivalry in Britain, which includes the reigning monarch as the Sovereign of the Garter, the Queen, and many members of the royal family, along with about 24 companions. The tradition requires the sovereign to wear a Mantle, a lengthy robe, with the star of Order on the left shoulder. Page boys carry the robe’s long train as the monarch walks down the stairs to the procession. William has been participating in the Garter Day celebration since 2008.
Amid discussions about the potential changes William will bring to the modern monarchy as King, experts also believe his first priority will always be his family. According to the Mirror, expert Jennie Bond praised William as a hands-on father to his three children with Kate Middleton. Therefore, she argued that his priorities will remain unchanged after he becomes king. Bond said, “These years are a period when, without the never-ending state duties of a monarch, he can be allowed to concentrate rather more fully on his wife and children. So I think school holidays will continue to be ring-fenced as much as possible, even if he is criticised for doing so.”