William Could Preach 'Change' — but He Remains 'Conservative' and 'Traditionalist' at Heart
Royal insiders have argued that William will modernize the monarchy without abandoning tradition.
Prince William has spoken openly about wanting to bring change to the monarchy when he eventually becomes king. From trimming excess to rethinking how work is done, his comments have often been read as a signal that a more modern reign lies ahead. But according to those who know him best, any changes under William are likely to be measured rather than sweeping, and will have a touch of tradition.
That subtle balance has been emphasized by royal insiders pushing back against the idea of a radically different monarchy. In the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential newsletter, royal editor Rebecca English reports that while William is willing to reassess certain long-standing practices, he is not interested in tearing the institution down and starting afresh. A source told English that expectations of a dramatically stripped-back monarchy miss an important point. “The thing to remember is that a) they [William and Kate] are quite conservative and b) they are traditionalists,” the insider said. “So the idea that there will be no Trooping the Color or Coronation is never going to be the case.” In other words, the symbols and ceremonies that define the monarchy are here to stay.
The source added that both William and Middleton have a deep respect for the institution itself and understand its role. They “see the power of what the institution does,” the insider said, suggesting that tradition is not something the couple views as outdated, but as something to be handled carefully.
That view closely aligns with William’s own public comments. During an appearance on Eugene Levy’s The Reluctant Traveler last year, the Prince of Wales spoke about the type of king he hopes to be. “The bit that excites me is the idea of being able to bring some change,” he said. Yet in the same conversation, William was clear that modernization does not mean abandoning the past. “I think it’s very important that tradition stays, and tradition has a huge part in all of this,” he said. At the same time, he acknowledged the need for honest evaluation. “There are also points where you look at tradition and go, is that still fit for purpose today? Is that still the right thing to do? Are we still doing and having the most impact we could be having?”
According to English, that line of thinking is better understood as refinement rather than revolution. After speaking to William and people close to him, she writes that the public should “expect a pruning back of the pomp and ceremony we see now,” but “not an abandonment of it.” The aim, she suggests, is to streamline royal rituals, not erase them.
