Prince William could make a bombshell move when he becomes King, a move that will no doubt devastate Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle. British historian and author Andrew Lownie believes Prince William wants a "smaller, more European-style" monarchy when he becomes King, meaning he could strip some members, such as the Sussexes, of their royal titles.
Advice to Give Up Titles
Andrew made the remarks on News24, after it was revealed the Sussexes have been warned to "disappear professionally" following their latest failed business venture. When asked by presenter Danica De Giorgio what advice he has for Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, Andrew said they should give up their titles, suggesting it is a move William could make when he eventually becomes King.
He said: "My advice to them, and it would be the same advice to the Yorks, is to give up their titles and to retire to basically a non-royal life, not to monetise their royal position, but to actually get proper careers based on their abilities."
Criticism of the Sussexes and Yorks
Slamming the Sussexes as well as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, Andrew continued: "The problem is that none of those four people have any great ability, which is why they've had to use their royal status to make money. I think the advice would be to disassociate yourself from the royal family. I think William will eventually get rid of titles for those except in the direct line of succession."
"He will want a much smaller, more European style monarchy. He's keen to get started with that sooner rather than later. He's rather frustrated that his father hasn't made the changes that he thinks are necessary."
Monarchy at a Crossroads
Andrew went on to claim that the monarchy is currently "at a crossroads", but believes the institution can turn things around if they become more transparent and win back the trust of the British public.
He said: "I think they're at a crossroads. I mean they can modernise, they can reform, they can win back trust and respect of the British public which has been lost through the activities of people like Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, by being more transparent and accountable. There's a whole series of things that they could do. I think if they were to reform and make themselves fit for purpose in the 21st century, then I think they have a bright future ahead of them."
"But if they continue to stick their head in the sand, to not complain or to explain, and to carry on as they are with too little too late in terms of changes, then I think they're in last chance saloon."
