King Charles III is reportedly considering a significant reduction in the number of working royals, potentially stripping 15 members of their HRH titles and public funding. The plan, which has been discussed for some time, would see the monarchy slimmed down to just seven key figures, according to royal commentator Kinsey Schofield.
The proposed core group includes King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex Sophie, Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Princess Royal Anne. This would exclude many other royals currently listed in the line of succession, including Prince Harry and his children, as well as other minor royals who currently undertake official duties.
The model mirrors that adopted by Sweden's King Carl Gustaf in 2019, who removed HRH titles from all but the heir and spare to the throne. Under such a system, only Prince George and Princess Charlotte might retain their titles among the younger generation, while Prince Louis, Archie, and Lilibet could lose theirs.
Financial considerations are believed to be a key driver, as reducing the number of working royals would cut the sovereign grant, the public fund that supports them. Additionally, the move could help manage the Royal Family's reputation by centralising press operations and reducing the risk of scandals, according to The Times.
However, constitutional expert Professor Vernon Bogdanor of King's College London has warned against the plan. He argued that the King and a smaller group cannot fulfil all public engagements, such as opening town halls or libraries across the country. He emphasised that minor royals play an important role in these duties, and cutting them could leave the monarchy overstretched.
