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When Prince William eventually ascends the throne, he is expected to take the title King William V. With such a historic change, it’s not only his name that will evolve—various roles and titles within the royal family are likely to shift as well. One of the most notable changes already underway is Prince William's recent decision to step down from a royal role he has held for over a decade, a move that signals his dedication to both continuity and progress within the monarchy. His departure from this longstanding post isn't a sign of withdrawal but rather a step toward empowering others and modernizing the royal approach.
On July 9th, William traveled to Switzerland in his capacity as a royal patron to support England's women’s football team at the Euros. While there, he formally handed over his position as president of the Fields in Trust organization to former England footballer Jill Scott. This move underlines William’s belief in lifting up new voices and passing the torch to capable hands. Over his 12-year tenure, William used his role to advocate passionately for the protection and preservation of green spaces across the UK—an issue close to his heart. His commitment helped elevate the visibility of this cause and added royal weight to its mission.
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Later that same week, during a state banquet held in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron, William once again demonstrated his thoughtful approach to tradition by choosing to wear a white tie ensemble instead of the historic Windsor uniform typically expected of senior royals. His father, King Charles, alongside Prince Edward and Sir Timothy Lawrence, wore the traditional dark navy tailcoat adorned with red facings. William’s choice, however, sent a clear message: he respects royal customs but doesn't feel compelled to follow them blindly. Royal insiders noted that his outfit choice is in line with his broader strategy of gently modernizing the monarchy while still honoring its rich heritage.
Interestingly, William had previously been seen wearing the Windsor uniform favored by his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. That uniform, steeped in royal tradition, dates back to King George III in 1777 and was once heavily embellished with gold braiding and feathered hats. In its current form, it's a much simpler design, with a signature red and navy style. While William acknowledges the symbolism behind such attire, his decision to veer from it on this occasion signals his desire to bring a more contemporary touch to royal presentation and ceremony.
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As William transitions into more responsibilities, so too will his eldest son, Prince George. One significant change on the horizon involves the Duchy of Cornwall estate. Created in 1337 by King Edward III to financially support his heir, the estate spans 23 counties across England and Wales, including notable properties like the Oval Cricket Ground and 67,000 acres in Dartmoor. Once Prince George inherits the title Duke of Cornwall, he will oversee this vast estate just as William does now. William currently uses the income from the Duchy to fund both his public and private roles, and he takes a highly active approach to the job. Visiting parts of the estate every few weeks, he meets with locals, shakes hands with staff, and checks in on how he can offer support. These engagements are usually low-key, intentionally kept out of public announcements and respected by local communities familiar with royal visits.
Meanwhile, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been gradually resuming her royal engagements following her private battle with cancer. At recent events, she has displayed a serene confidence and a visible closeness with her husband. During the formal welcome of the Macrons at Windsor Castle, the couple radiated unity. William was seen offering his hand to help Catherine down the steps, which she accepted gracefully. At one point, she gently placed her hand on his back, a small but meaningful display of affection that caught the attention of body language experts.
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In contrast to the more reserved demeanor of President Macron and his wife Brigitte, the Prince and Princess of Wales showed warmth and synchronicity. According to expert Judi James, while Brigitte appeared somewhat detached from her husband, Catherine and William demonstrated what she described as the perfect balance of formality and tenderness in a high-profile setting.
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A particularly symbolic moment occurred during the official greetings. Catherine was seen curtsying twice in the background, but it appeared King Charles and Queen Camilla didn’t initially notice her gesture due to their ongoing conversation with the Macrons. When the Waleses moved closer, Catherine repeated the gesture, ensuring it was acknowledged. She gave a quick curtsy to the King, followed by a longer and more personal exchange with Queen Camilla that included a kiss on the cheek and yet another curtsy. These moments highlighted her respectful nature and strong grasp of royal etiquette, even amidst evolving family dynamics and public scrutiny.
Together, William and Catherine are clearly positioning themselves not just as the future King and Queen but as a modern royal couple capable of blending duty with empathy, tradition with innovation. As the monarchy looks ahead to a future under King William V, the path is being carefully and consciously shaped—not by forceful upheaval, but by subtle, intentional
transformation.
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