Prince William Steps Up to Help King Charles Rebuild Trust After Andrew's Arrest
The monarchy faced one of its worst times in recent decades, with the disgraced former prince getting arrested. While King Charles has taken a firm public stance, insiders say Prince William is already thinking several steps ahead. According to royal sources, the Prince of Wales is determined to help his father steady the institution and win back public trust after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The crisis, they suggest, has sharpened William’s resolve to modernize how the monarchy operates.
William made his first public appearance since his uncle was questioned for 11 hours when he attended the BAFTA Awards alongside the Princess of Wales. Meanwhile, he has been mapping out broader reforms aimed at reshaping the institution’s internal structure, almost a ‘corporate-like structure.' The arrest last Thursday over allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor passed confidential trade information to Jeffrey Epstein has reignited debate about whether the monarchy is “fit for purpose.”
One insider explained, per The Mirror, “There is a clear acknowledgment that the issues surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have had an effect on public trust, and there is a united willingness to change that. The Prince of Wales has a clear focus and is determined to help the King in any way he can to restore that trust with the public in the long term.
“Right now, the family and the country need stability, but there will come a time when he will bring in his own changes to ensure that accountability and purpose are front and centre of not only his role but the role of the institution.” William’s approach, sources say, would mirror the model he and Catherine have adopted at their Royal Foundation, which operates within a defined structure and a chief executive—a departure from the more traditional court system that has guided royal operations for decades. Another source close to the prince said, “He wants to ensure the institution remains fit for purpose and is very focused on how that relates to the public."
Those familiar with William’s transition into overseeing the Duchy of Cornwall say his instinct has always been to question inherited systems. “Both the Prince and Princess of Wales are in favour of a more corporate-like structure for the institution. They are deep in the weeds of both their public work and charitable endeavours, and work in a different style to other members of the family. When he [William] started at the Duchy, his mission was to turn every stone over and question why things are done the way they are,” a source said.
“Accountability is central to everything the Prince and Princess do and how they want to execute their vision of a modern monarchy. They want the monarchy to be known for all the right things, to be a vehicle for change for good and for the benefit of others. It must be fit for purpose.”
For now, William is publicly aligned with his father’s response. In a direct statement, Charles said, “The law must take its course,” pledging “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” with the investigation. Buckingham Palace has confirmed it will provide any files or records requested by the police.