Prince William is being reminded that the next era of the monarchy may demand more than careful tweaks. As the future King of England, he is now facing calls to take a bold and potentially controversial step if he wants his reign to carry real credibility.
The Prince of Wales has spoken openly about wanting to modernise the monarchy and bring “change for good” when the time comes. However, he has kept details vague, leaving room for debate about what meaningful reform would actually look like.
One former royal correspondent believes there is a decision William will not be able to avoid. Jennie Bond, writing in the i newspaper, has argued that William should dramatically reduce the vast royal property portfolio he is set to inherit.
Bond’s argument centres on consistency. She points out that William’s long-standing commitment to tackling homelessness sits uncomfortably alongside ownership of multiple palaces, castles and estates. In her view, the contrast is more than symbolic and risks undermining his public message.
She wrote that owning so many properties would be “particularly offensive” given his homelessness work, adding that “nobody needs so many houses, castles and palaces”. To lead a genuinely modern monarchy, she suggested William would need to sell, repurpose or give up large parts of the royal estate.
Importantly, Bond does not see this as a threat to the institution. Instead, she argues that thoughtful reform could strengthen the monarchy and help it stay relevant in the 21st century, especially during what she describes as an era of deeply divisive politics.
William himself has already hinted that change is coming. Speaking on The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, he said: “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda, change for good.” He also made clear that reform does not worry him and that he is excited by the challenge of shaping the monarchy’s future.
Whether that future includes a slimmed-down royal property empire remains to be seen, but pressure is clearly building for William to back his words with decisive action.
