Prince William plans major roles for unknown royals

Prince William (42) is already planning the future of the British monarchy, although his father, King Charles III (76), continues to rule as the incumbent monarch. As the New York Post reports, the Prince of Wales is considering involving Lady Louise Windsor (21) and her brother James (17) more in royal duties. The two children of Prince Edward (60) and Duchess Sophie (60) are known for their rather reserved lifestyle. But William is said to want to bring these “lesser-known royals” into the spotlight for representative duties.

These plans are apparently based on William’s vision of keeping the monarchy operational despite the reduction in active members, as his father has pursued in recent years. According to a report in the New York Post, however, the assumption of public duties by Lady Louise and James could mean far-reaching changes for the two: If they take this step, they would in future be dependent on public funds and would have to take on representative duties for the crown. Up until now, thanks to their parents’ decision, they have been able to lead a relatively normal life.

They would have been entitled to the HRH title from birth, but their parents decided not to give them up. “We try to raise them in such a way that they know that they will probably have to earn a living,” Sophie once explained in an interview with the Sunday Times . Louise gave up her princess title when she turned 18, and James, who will soon have decision-making power, could follow his sister’s example.

The siblings Louise and James have so far focused primarily on their education . Louise is currently studying at the renowned University of St. Andrews, where William and Kate (43) met. The siblings, on the other hand, have only occasionally attended royal engagements such as Charles’ coronation in May 2023. If the sibling duo actually take on royal engagements and regularly step into the spotlight, this would be a remarkable turnaround in their path so far – and a further step in William’s vision of a streamlined yet effective monarchy.