Future king’s firm stance on royal roles seen as strategic, not personal
Though tensions between Prince William and Prince Harry remain high, insiders say the Prince of Wales harbours no ill will toward his niece and nephew, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—even as he shapes a monarchy with a more streamlined future.
According to The Times, while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have retained their royal titles, the idea that Archie and Lilibet might one day return to royal life reportedly doesn't align with William’s vision for the monarchy. Sources suggest that “under the next reign, roles for Archie and Lili as working royals are unlikely.”
The move, however, is said not to be a personal slight against the children, but rather a reflection of William’s approach to modernising and focusing the institution. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams noted that the root of the royal rift lies with Prince Harry—not his children. “It is possible that the grudge does not extend to the children,” he told Fox News Digital.
Fitzwilliams also addressed confusion around the children’s titles, explaining that Archie and Lilibet are entitled to use “HRH” under the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V, regardless of their parents’ departure from royal duties. However, he added that William, as future king, may reconsider the use of those titles—but would be acutely aware of the media scrutiny and public reaction such a decision could provoke.
Though reconciliation remains uncertain, the message from William’s camp appears clear: the future of the monarchy will be led by vision, not vendettas—and the youngest royals are not targets of their family's long-standing tensions.
