Outside of training, William made strides in his 20s to fulfill the traditional expectations of a monarch. Prince William makes a speech during a reception to mark the launch of Centrepoint's 40th anniversary on November 6, 2008, in London. William has been trained to lead an outdated monarchy But experts say to pull it off, he'll need to keep up with changing times. Published days after the Queen's death, a study from the National Centre for Social Research found that 55% of the British people surveyed believe it's 'important for Britain to continue to have a monarchy.' As the study notes, that figure is the lowest on record since it began in 1983.Īs such, the task of ensuring the monarchy not only survives but thrives in the 21st century rests heavily on William's shoulders. Still, public support for the monarchy is at an all-time low. Royal experts such as Marlene Koenig believe Charles knows 'his time is shorter' in the role and sees himself as a caretaker of the throne for William. During the late Queen Elizabeth's reign, 17 countries also removed their monarchies and became republics.Ĭharles, now 74, becomes the oldest monarch to ever assume the British throne. Society has seen massive sociological and cultural shifts brought about by civil-rights movements and reforms in gender equality and LGBTQ rights, to name a few. Since his grandmother's coronation in 1953, the world outside of Buckingham Palace's gates has changed considerably. By the time he reaches the throne, William's training could be woefully out of date. But one fact cannot be ignored: His two teachers - King Charles III and the late Queen Elizabeth II - are of different eras. Prince William is now one step closer to the British throne - a role he's been preparing for his whole life.Īs heir, William was put through years of training to ensure the survival of the British monarchy. It's a destiny that William has been preparing for since childhood.īut as the world starts to demand more of monarchs, William's training may not be enough. Chris Jackson/Getty Images Alyssa Powell/InsiderĪs King Charles III takes the throne, Prince William is one step closer to becoming king himself.

Heart's Desire by Amy Andrews