As King Charles III approaches the next chapter, Prince William is being described as the driving force inside the monarchy—balancing restraint, ambition, and a pointed readiness to change how tradition works.
Prince William may be second in line, but the monarchy’s momentum is increasingly being pinned to him.
Biographer Andrew Lownie says the Prince of Wales “calls the shots” in the monarchy as he prepares to succeed King Charles III. Lownie also describes The Firm as being in a “transitional phase” toward William fully “taking over.”
That shift is already shaping how people inside royal life are talked about—especially in relation to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s fall from grace. Lownie points to William’s influence in Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s banishment over endless scandals involving Jeffrey Epstein. “Charles is sentimental. he’s very compassionate. he’s a bit of a ditherer. ” Lownie told i Paper. and added: “William can’t speak out because he’s No. 2 and he won’t cross his father, but he’ll have had a big influence.”.
The idea that William’s authority is growing isn’t limited to biographers. Royal reporter Roya Nikkhah believes William has the makings of a powerful global leader. During an appearance on Times Radio via Daily Mail. Nikkhah said. “William is someone who does hold a grudge; he does choose sides. If someone picks the other side, he remembers that.”.
Expert Richard Fitzwilliams echoed that assessment of William’s temperament. The commentator told Daily Mail. “Thank goodness he has a ruthless streak. as this is needed in today’s world. especially with the monarchy among its most closely watched institutions.” Fitzwilliams also said William is “clearly an excellent judge of character and has deservedly won praise for his diplomatic skills.”.
Fitzwilliams further pointed to Andrew-related pressure, saying William was “reportedly pushing for Andrew’s titles to be stripped earlier.” He added that William “has been taking a strong line all along,” tying it to what he described as Andrew’s “insensitive and bovine attitudes.”
The personal tone of these accounts lands hard because the monarchy itself is changing shape. As the royal family continues to operate with fewer working members, William and Kate Middleton are stepping up. Catherine Mayer told People. “King Charles III is the incumbent. but she [Kate] and William are the future. ‘There is no institution without them.’” Mayer added that “Princess Anne and the other senior working royals are all stretched thin — and none of them are young. ” and said. “William and Catherine carry the whole thing.”.
William has also been speaking directly about what that future could look like. While talking with Eugene Levy for Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler. he made it clear he’s ready to buck tradition when he takes over. “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda,” William told the actor. “Change for good, and I embrace that, I enjoy that change. I don’t fear it. that’s the bit that excites me. the idea of being able to bring some change. ” he said.
He clarified that he isn’t aiming for upheaval for its own sake: “Not overly radical. but changes that I think need to happen. ” William added. He also questioned the durability of royal routines. asking. “There are points when 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?”.
The picture that emerges is a monarchy in transition—one where William is described not just as the next figurehead, but as the force already influencing decisions, tone, and direction while Charles remains incumbent.
Prince William King Charles III monarchy Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Jeffrey Epstein Kate Middleton Andrew titles Royal succession diplomatic skills The Firm Apple TV+ The Reluctant Traveler