Prince William is reportedly considering a move that would reshape long-standing royal traditions by giving a more formal role to Catherine’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.
According to royal commentators, the Prince of Wales holds the Middletons in high regard and may be open to welcoming them into the wider royal structure. Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine suggested that modern royalty is no longer just about bloodlines, but about conduct and values.
“In the 21st century, royalty is about how you behave,” Vine said. “It’s about setting an example and upholding standards.” She added that recent history has shown royal status is no longer guaranteed, but earned. In her view, that leaves the door open for others to be recognised through their actions.
Vine described the Middletons as embodying qualities the monarchy now values, pointing to their stability, decency, strong sense of British identity, and humour.
Not everyone agrees the move would be straightforward. Newsweek’s chief royal correspondent Jack Royston warned that formally elevating the Middletons would “completely rewrite the fabric of the monarchy.” Still, he noted that William has been vocal about wanting change, adding, “Anything is possible.”
Behind the scenes, the Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be planning a more streamlined and modern institution, particularly in the aftermath of the damage caused by the Andrew scandal. Sources claim both favour a more corporate-style structure to strengthen the monarchy’s credibility.
Looking ahead to his future reign, William is also expected to rethink how the Duchy of Cornwall operates, alongside reshaping how he and Catherine approach public and charitable work. Their strategy is said to differ sharply from that of other senior royals, signalling a quieter but more deliberate shift in how the monarchy functions.
