The royal family has a long-standing tradition of following specific customs and protocols, from spending the summer at Balmoral Castle to the monarch hosting the Prime Minister in Scotland. However, it seems that Prince William, the current Prince of Wales, has taken a different approach compared to his father, Prince Charles, when it comes to these traditions.
Prince William and Mr Sunak
While Charles, when he was the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, used to have his meetings with the Prime Minister, there is no record of similar meetings between Prince William and the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. This could be attributed to the fact that William and his wife, the Princess of Wales, have a young family and are likely to have returned home to Windsor to prepare for the start of the new school year.
The Young Waleses
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, the children of Prince William and the Princess of Wales, are all at different stages of their education. With George in Year Six, Charlotte in Year Four, and Louis in Year One, it is understandable that the royal couple would prioritize their children’s schooling over other engagements during this time.
On 27 August, Prince William and Kate were seen attending a church service at Crathie Kirk near the Balmoral estate. Accompanying them was the Duke of York, who occupied the front passenger seat. These public appearances indicate that the couple is gradually returning to their official duties after the summer break.
Upcoming Engagements
Prince William has a planned visit to New York on 18 September, where he will attend the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit as part of New York Climate Week. Additionally, he is expected to participate in various events surrounding the 78th opening of the UN General Assembly, scheduled for the following day. These upcoming engagements highlight William’s commitment to environmental causes and global diplomacy.
Friday will mark a significant day for the royal family as they observe the first anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The late queen, who passed away at Balmoral Castle on 8 September 2022 at the age of 96, received a state funeral at Westminster Abbey on 19 September 2022. A committal service followed at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. This somber occasion allows the royal family to reflect on the monarch’s life and legacy.
While the royal family’s traditions remain intact, Prince William has embraced a different approach compared to his predecessors. Prioritizing his growing family and their education, William’s subtle deviations from certain customs demonstrate his ability to adapt to the changing dynamics within the monarchy. As he navigates his future role as king, it will be interesting to observe how William continues to balance tradition and modernity.
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