Prince William has quietly signaled a radical modernization of the British monarchy, declaring during an October Apple TV+ appearance, “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good.”
With public support at a historic low of 51% and younger Britons increasingly turning away, the future king is testing whether stripping away centuries of pageantry can restore relevance. The stakes are high, and every gesture is under scrutiny. Here’s what’s going on.
The Future King’s Quiet Revolution
Prince William is positioning himself as the monarchy’s most consequential modernizer, signaling a break from traditions upheld for 70 years under Queen Elizabeth II. During an October Apple TV+ appearance, he stated, “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good,” Eugene Levy interview, Apple TV+, October 2025.
This philosophy hints at dismantling ceremony to preserve relevance.
When Support Hit Historic Lows
Public support for the British monarchy has collapsed from 86% in 1983 to 51% in 2025, a 35-point decline over 41 years, according to NatCen British Social Attitudes, December 12, 2025. The sharpest drop followed 2021, falling from 55% to 51%.
For William, the numbers signal existential danger.
A Nation Divided By Age
Support among Britons over 55 stands at 82%, while just 41% of those aged 16-34 back the monarchy. Among younger adults, 59% prefer an elected head of state, and abolition support rose from 3% in 1983 to 15% today.
The generational warning is unmistakable.
The Andrew Catastrophe That Lingers
Prince Andrew’s unfavorability has reached 82-91% following his 2022 sex-trafficking scandal. Despite this, overall monarchy support remains between 51% and 62%, showing the institution can survive personal scandal if it demonstrates accountability.
That opening reshaped William’s strategy.
The Broadcaster Who Validated Reform
Veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby, 87, endorsed modernization in “What’s the Monarchy For?”. He stated, “The bowing and scraping element is quite out of date and ridiculous,” BBC documentary interview, December 4, 2025.
His credibility gave reform rare public legitimacy.
The Wealth Revelation That Shocked Viewers
Dimbleby’s documentary revealed King Charles’s personal wealth at £1.2-1.8 billion ($1.52-2.29 billion), Prospect Magazine. The Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall generate £50 million annually ($63.5 million), while inheritance tax exemptions remain intact.
Public anger shifted the reform debate.
Why Bowing Is Being Reconsidered
Palace insiders say William views bowing and curtsying as incompatible with modern values. “William’s never been comfortable with all the bowing and curtsying,” a source said, Cosmopolitan UK, October 27, 2025. He favors natural interaction over medieval deference rituals.
That logic extends beyond greetings.
The Robes William Finds Ridiculous
William reportedly considers Order of the Garter robes outdated and counterproductive. “When he’s king, William plans to retire the elaborate outfits,” a source stated, according to RadarOnline. Suppliers like Ede & Ravenscroft and Watts & Co. symbolize the excess he wants gone.
Clothing is only the beginning.
Archaic Titles Face Elimination
William plans to streamline ceremonial roles with no practical function. Positions like Keeper of the Swans and Yeoman of the Glass Pantry may disappear. “He wants the household to operate smoothly,” a palace source confirmed.
Efficiency comes with human consequences.
Hundreds Of Royal Jobs At Risk
The Royal Household employs 1,133 staff, with 508 publicly funded roles costing £24.1 million annually ($30.6 million). Insiders estimate 5-10% of positions, or 50-110 jobs, could be cut during restructuring.
The impact extends beyond palace walls.
Ancient Suppliers Face Uncertainty
Ceremonial suppliers like Ede & Ravenscroft, founded 1689, and Watts & Co., founded 1887, risk losing contracts if pageantry shrinks. Firms producing gold braids, silk velvet, and regalia have served monarchs for generations.
Yet tourism fears may be overstated.
Why Tourism Losses Are Unlikely
Royal tourism contributes £500 million to £1.77 billion annually ($635 million to $2.25 billion), under 1% of the UK’s £257 billion tourism economy. CNN reported royal sites rank modestly among paid attractions.
Economic math favors reform.
The Cost-Savings Behind Modernization
Royal household costs total £44.1 million annually ($56 million)1. Cutting ceremonial roles and costumes could save £4-7 million yearly ($5.1-8.9 million). Voluntary tax transparency could add £5-20 million ($6.4-25.4 million).
William’s personal style reinforces intent.
Fewer Patronages, Greater Impact
William reviewed royal patronages using Giving Evidence, finding Prince Andrew’s departure had zero financial impact on charities William now focuses on fewer causes like Earthshot, prioritizing results over symbolic breadth.
Financial transparency remains unresolved.
The Tax Question William Won’t Answer
Prince William voluntarily pays the highest rate of income and capital gains tax, but full transparency on his personal finances remains unclear. Unlike King Charles, he has not detailed the full extent of his wealth or contributions. Public scrutiny is growing, and pressure for clarity is likely to increase as his modernization plans unfold.
The changes also have implications beyond the UK.
One Crown, Fifteen Nations
William will become head of state for 15 Commonwealth realms representing 151 million people. Constitutional changes require parliamentary consent across nations under the Statute of Westminster 1931, Institute for Government. Ceremonial changes can proceed unilaterally.
Timing reveals careful planning.
Reform By Documentary Proxy
Dimbleby’s BBC series aired December 3, without palace obstruction, offering political cover for reform. Criticism appeared independent, allowing William to align silently while preserving institutional neutrality.
The core question remains unanswered.
Can Authenticity Replace Mystique
Prince William is betting that authenticity can replace centuries of ceremonial mystique. His willingness to engage personally signals a new direction for the monarchy. Yet the institution has long relied on distance and ritual to command respect. Can a more approachable crown maintain the reverence that once came naturally?
The ultimate test of this experiment is just beginning.
When The Pageantry Ends
William’s modernization gambles that transparency and practicality can revive support that has fallen 35 points since 1983. Success could redefine monarchy for the 21st century. Failure risks erasing the mystique that sustained it for 1,000 years.
History will judge the outcome.
SOURCES:
“Royal Family’s wealth laid bare by BBC with ‘astute tax avoidance,'” Mirror UK, December 4, 2025
“I’ll change the monarchy when I’m king, says Prince William,” BBC News, October 2, 2025
“Prince William opens up about family fears and plans change monarchy,” Reuters, October 2, 2025
“Prince William ‘hates’ one royal custom and could axe it,” The Express, November 29, 2025
“EXCLUSIVE: Prince William to Scrap Odd Royal Traditions When He’s King,” RadarOnline, October 23, 2025