Prince William has signalled his intention to modernise the monarchy when he becomes king, stating that “change is on my agenda”. In a television interview with Canadian actor Eugene Levy, the heir to the throne spoke candidly about questioning tradition and ensuring the institution remains fit for purpose.
“I think it’s very important that tradition stays, but there’s also points where you look at tradition and go: is that still fit for purpose today?” William said. He emphasised his desire for “change for good” and criticised those too “attached to history” for lacking flexibility.
The prince also referenced his brother Harry, from whom he is estranged, expressing hope that the monarchy does not return to the “practices in the past that Harry and I had to grow up in”. He said he would do everything he could to prevent regression in that regard.
Reflecting on his own childhood, William acknowledged the impact of his parents’ divorce and vowed to avoid repeating their mistakes. “You take that and you learn from it and you try and make sure you don’t do the same mistakes as your parents,” he said, adding that he wants to create a world his children can be proud of.
The interview was filmed during a tour of Windsor Castle, where William recalled watching the 1992 fire on television as a ten-year-old. He described seeing his father and grandparents forming a human chain to rescue items from the blaze, which destroyed St George’s Hall.
