‘Smaller R in the royal’ – Prince William wants to do things differently
4 min read
Prince William said he is 'trying to do it differently'. Pic: Andrew Parsons/Kensington Palace
Prince William has expressed his desire to take a new approach to his role as the Prince of Wales, aiming to make it more relevant for a younger generation and more aligned with his personal values. This vision was shared during his recent trip to South Africa for the Earthshot Prize, an environmental initiative he founded. While reflecting on his royal duties, he emphasized his desire to do things differently and focus on creating a positive impact through his work.
“I can only describe what I’m trying to do as doing it differently, doing it for my generation,” Prince William said. He then explained his philosophy with a reference to a “smaller R in royal,” suggesting that he wants to approach his duties in a way that feels more approachable and less bound by traditional royal expectations. For him, it’s not about the formality and ceremony often associated with the monarchy but rather about making a real difference in the world.
His vision includes a focus on impact-driven philanthropy, collaboration, and empathy. “It’s more about impact philanthropy, collaboration, convening, and helping people,” he said. “And I’m also going to throw empathy in there as well because I really care about what I do. It helps impact people’s lives. And I think we could do with more empathetic leadership around the world.” This statement provides insight into his broader approach to leadership, one that values emotional intelligence and genuine care for others.
During the trip, Prince William was more candid than usual, engaging in lighthearted moments with reporters while also discussing the more serious challenges he has faced in the past year. His openness about his family life and his role as a royal was evident throughout, as he shared personal anecdotes, such as the joy of his daughter making him a bracelet during a visit to see Taylor Swift. Yet, the weight of recent personal and public struggles was also apparent, especially after a year in which both his father and wife underwent cancer treatment. “It’s been the hardest year of my life,” he admitted, reflecting on the emotional toll it had taken on him.
Despite the difficulties, Prince William has worked to find peace by reimagining his role. He has sought to break free from the rigidity of traditional royal expectations, focusing instead on a few key initiatives where he can make a meaningful impact. His two main projects—the Earthshot Prize, which aims to address environmental challenges, and Homewards, his initiative to combat homelessness—reflect this strategy of focusing on a smaller number of causes that align with his values.
However, these projects have not been without controversy. Critics have pointed out the potential for hypocrisy, questioning how a wealthy prince can speak about solving global issues like climate change and homelessness when he enjoys a life of privilege. In response to such concerns, those close to Prince William note that he is well aware of the criticism but believes it would be more damaging to do nothing. They argue that the privilege of his position should not be an excuse for inaction and that he can use his platform to drive positive change.
While his environmental and social justice work continues to make headlines, Prince William has also faced scrutiny over the transparency of the royal family’s finances. As questions about the royal family’s wealth continue to circulate, Prince William remains committed to his mission of helping others. He has taken on these challenges with a sense of purpose, knowing that standing still in the face of such criticism would only undermine the royal family’s credibility.
Looking ahead, Prince William also discussed his future public duties, particularly his plans with the Princess of Wales. He hopes to work more closely with his wife on joint projects and believes that both of them can bring something fresh to the organizations they support. “I sit here right now doing Earthshot and doing all the projects I’m doing, like Homewards,” he said. “And who knows what’s going to come next, but it all centres around those values of trying to help deliver change and make lives better.”
Prince William’s evolving vision for his royal role represents a shift towards a more modern, hands-on approach to public service. By focusing on empathy, collaboration, and social impact, he aims to connect with a younger audience and make a real difference in areas that matter most, like environmental sustainability and homelessness. Whether this new approach will reshape the future of the British monarchy remains to be seen, but for now, Prince William is carving out a path that reflects his values and his desire to create a better world.
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