William the Quiet Disruptor - Future of the Monarchy

[PrettyFlyforaMaiTai]

I just read this Sky News article “My Week with Prince William: The Quiet Disruptor” and found it really interesting.

The article paints a picture of someone who’s trying to do things differently, more of a “quiet disruptor” than a traditional royal. He seems to want to modernise the monarchy, focusing less on ribbon-cutting and more on community projects and real social impact. It might not be flashy, but it feels more in touch with what people care about today. He wants to be seen as a trustworthy global leader who uses his influence for good in a time when there is a lot of distrust in leadership worldwide.

It talks about how, although some still label him “work-shy” because he schedules his engagements around his children, most of the people interviewed actually saw that as a positive. They praised him for putting his family first and being a present dad.

It acknowledges that not everyone will be happy with this new version of monarchy, and some people will criticise the change in ethos.

I suppose time will tell whether this new approach will change anything long term. Charles also said he wanted to modernise, so let’s see it sticks this time. But it’s an interesting read if you’re curious about how William’s trying to shape his role.

William the Quiet Disruptor

Yep
This is all PR nonsense .

It seems that you are trying to impose your own view as the only one that matters when you say things like this. Polls aren’t always representative of the general public but they’re a good indicator and shouldn’t be dismissed just because you don’t agree with what they say.

And no need to be snarky with your exclamation marks. I am saying you are entitled to have your opinions, you seem to be getting very worked up on the issue. No need to get so defensive.

Please do not start making personal comments on this thread. I am quite entitled to use an exclamation mark, I do it on all my posts over mumsnet and I have never come across another poster who used this as a means to criticise me!!!

Please also do not insinuate I am very worked up. Why on earth would you say that? You have started a very interesting thread, don't spoil it by personal comments.

Exactly. Plus look at the way he treats his tenants. He’s as bad as any ‘rogue landlord’. I really hope we can get rid of all of them in my lifetime.

Possibly. Charles hinted at a slimmed down monarchy and modernising but not much seems to have changed. Time will tell I suppose.

You have summed it up. My thoughts exactly.

Same amount of money, less visibility. What a life, eh?!

Because you made a snarky point when I was saying you were entitled to your opinion of being disappointed. Even when I agree with you you are defensive. Exclamation marks indicate you are shouting. No one else is shouting.

I give up. I'm off. I am not shouting, I am not typing in capitals. I used a couple of exclamation marks which - according to you - indicates I am snarky, I am defensive, I am shouting.

You are rude. I wrote a long post to start with as I was very interested in this subject, but when an OP continues with PA's, it's not the place for me.

I am sure you will be glad to see the back of me and my snarkiness, defensiveness and shouting.

I don't see how the monarchy can be modernised.

Fundamentally, you get what you get, and that is the whole point. Whatever William does, he can't ensure that his children or grandchildren will stick with the plan.

As soon as you introduce an element of meritocracy, you undermine the whole concept.

For various reasons (personality, age at coronation, interests, staying alive), the Queen was very good at her job, but that was just the luck of the draw.

This is exactly what he is doing .
Working like a mouse and eating like an elephant
When the kids are of age and married , he will use his grandchildren as an excuse to do very little

It’s worth mentioning that William became Prince of Wales in September 2022 and that report came out in November 2024. William has only been involved in the Duchy of Cornwall approximately 2 years, so most of this would have been under Charles’ oversight so to speak (and the Duchy of Lancaster under the Queen). It’s still disappointing to read and I hope that William will reform and improve. I imagine it will be a long winded process but hopefully a new review in a few years will show improvements. I will be disappointed myself if this doesn’t happen.

It’s not a departure lounge, you don’t need to announce that you are leaving 🤷🏼‍♀️

Thats a lot of supposition. I suppose only time will tell, but for the moment he does have school aged kids so I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt. We’ve all seen what happens when parents prioritise duty over family 😳

Thats an interesting point!

I wonder if that’s a reason why other European monarchies aren’t on such a global stage as the British monarchy? Yet when I looked into favourability of these monarchies (usually slimmed down ‘modern’ establishments) they have higher favourability in their own countries.

It can all be undermined by your Margarets, Andrews and Harry’s. But then I suppose the heir gets the training to not be a knob (to put it lightly).

OP I wanted to answer your rudeness actually and the departure lounge comment is so overused, it's turned into a parody of itself.

Well he sure as hell wasn’t work shy when he was on the rescue choppers up here. He never missed a shout, never used his status in an attempt to get out of work. Apparently the only time he got nervous was when the engineers pulled wheelies on his ducati (I know several of the engineers personally).

He is different. I agree that they do need to shout more about what they’re doing, to justify the sovereign grant, but he is growing into his role. And it has just massively changed. He’s gone from being 3rd in line to Prince of Wales and yes, he’s been trained for this all his life, but training for a role and then doing it is different.

Cut the man some slack. (And yes I really would like to be in their shoes with no money worries!)

I work hard every day for social good, I can’t schedule time for my kids around my work. The prince who can’t even speak Welsh properly although spent time in a Welsh area Wales and calls himself the prince of wales. Lazy and irrelevant.

King Doolittle the First

You can call him lazy if that’s your opinion but he’s certainly not irrelevant 🤣

Your Edward VIIIs!

Salary sorted ! Royal suceesion - Priceless !

Base Salary: Typically ranges from £53,000 to £70,000 annually. Glassdoor
Additional Pay: Pilots may receive extra allowances, averaging around £13,000 per year, which can include bonuses and other benefits.
Rank Progression:
Flight Lieutenant: £44,457 to £52,868
Squadron Leader: £55,999 to £66,066
Wing Commander: £78,594 to £91,006 Planit Plus
Entry-Level Pay: Newly commissioned officers start at £33,100, with increases upon promotion.

But you said you were off and giving up? I’m rather confused (and bemused) by your flip flopping. I find people stating their “off” and flouncing off in a huff quite overused to be honest. Especially when they don’t actually go when they state they will 🤷🏼‍♀️ Smacks of trying to get the last word 🤭

I don't know where the idea that he's a leader has come from. What and who exactly does he lead?

Are we really at the stage of gushing with admiration over someone just doing their job as a search and rescue pilot? The SAR heli pilot I know spent years saving to fund his training and then years paying back the loans he took out, and will be the lifelong carer for an intellectually disabled sibling, and spends a lot of spare time fundraising for a charity that supports people with that condition. Nothing dropped into his lap, his life is more than averagely tough for various reasons, and yet his instinct is to give back at every opportunity. That’s an admirable human being, not a nepo baby who’s never had to really try.

Ah yes, good call!

I suppose that again it can come down to parenting as well. George V seemed like a distant father and seemed almost proud of terrifying and beating his children. It’s a fine act to balance. But then sometimes it looks like interception is needed to stop the true fuck ups from remaining King for long. I suppose that’s why we deposed Edward II, Richard II, Charles I etc.

Could this happen in the modern day? What would happen if George turned into another Harry or Andrew. Or would it be down on William and Catherine to be present parents and stop that from happening? So much food for thought 🥰