William’s plans for a slimmed-down monarchy raise questions about his children’s futures
Prince William’s preparations for his future reign as King have sparked new debate about what lies ahead for his family. As the Prince of Wales weighs a leaner monarchy, attention has turned to how this could affect his younger children, Charlotte and Louis.
While the future monarch George is expected to follow a traditional path of duty, likely beginning with military service, his siblings face a less certain road. At just 10 and 7, Charlotte and Louis may one day choose between stepping into public roles or building independent careers outside the royal fold.
A former senior aide told The i Paper that William and Catherine are unlikely to dictate their children’s futures. “They may have their thoughts, but I think they’ll wait to see what the children want to do,” the aide said, noting that a life beyond the monarchy remains a real possibility for the younger Wales children.
The discussion comes as William looks toward a smaller team of working royals, expected to shrink to only five or six when he eventually takes the throne. This move could also affect his cousins, with speculation that their daughters and Zara Tindall may struggle to secure working royal status under William’s reign.
For now, the Prince and Princess of Wales are spending summer at Balmoral with King Charles and other senior royals, enjoying a pause before the big decisions of the future inevitably arrive.
