Prince William will focus on making changes and “modernising” the Royal Family in the years to come, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has explained. The comments come after Prince William’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor unleashed further chaos on the Royal Family in the wake of being mentioned in the latest Epstein files released by US the Department of Justice.
Looking ahead to when he is crowned King, Ms Bond told the Daily Express: “William will be ruthlessly focused on modernising the monarchy, distancing himself irrevocably from Andrew, doing royal with a small ‘r’ and connecting with as many people from every walk of life as possible.”
Prince William and Princess Catherine most recently addressed the public on March 1, for their first time speaking in Welsh together publicly on St David’s Day. The event is an annual Welsh celebration that honours the patron saint of Wales, St. David. It is celebrated each year on March 1.
In the clip, William began: “To everyone in Wales, a very happy St David’s Day.” Catherine continued: “Wales is very close to our hearts, and we look forward to every visit.”
William added: “It is a beautiful country with a rich history and wonderful people.” Catherine then added: “Wishing you a day of celebration with family and friends.”
The happy message was a stark contrast in William’s message at the BAFTAs where William took an unprecedented step to make it clear how he was feeling after the arrest of his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Speaking to VIPs at Sunday’s BAFTA Awards, William said: “I need to be in quite a calm state, and I am not at the moment. I will save it.” While he was speaking about not yet having seen the award-winning film, Hamnet, the meaning behind the statement, as the Royal Family continue to be dragged into scandal, was clear.
Royal author Robert Jobson, told the Daily Express: “When his frustrations surface, they come from that place. He won’t tolerate dysfunction overshadowing service. He won’t let history repeat. His reign will be tighter, more disciplined — quite possibly more decisive than his father’s.”
The eighth in line to the throne was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released under investigation by Thames Valley Police.
He is still expected around Easter to move into nearby Marsh Farm from Wood Farm, a five-bedroom house on the King’s privately owned 20,000-acre estate.