Prince William is taking ‘a leaf out of Harry’s book’ by modernising the Royal Family at ‘pace’, expert says

PRINCE William is taking a "leaf out of Harry's book" by trying to modernise the Royal Family at "pace", an expert says.

Vanity Fair royal editor Katie Nicholl spoke on The Sun's Royal Show about the future King's attempts to introduce changes to the Firm already.

In one of his most open and candid interviews earlier this month, the Prince of Wales, 42, claimed there was a shortage of "empathetic leaders" around the world.

He said he wanted to continue helping people while carrying out his duties “differently for my generation”.

He also emphasised how he's looking at the Firm "with maybe a smaller 'r' in the royal".

Speaking to Sun royal editor Matt Wilkinson, Ms Nicholl said: "One person who’s probably sitting there thinking 'this is what I’ve been saying all along' is the Duke of Sussex.

"Let’s be more open, let’s show more empathy, let’s do things a little bit differently."

Since stepping down as working royals in 2020, Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle have spoken about how stifling life as a royal can be.

Ms Nicholl continued: "One of the reasons Harry felt he needed to leave was because he didn’t feel he could bend the institution the way he wanted to do things.

"I think we have seen the royals take a leaf out of his book."

However, she said she doesn't think it will "ever going to become too California".

"They’re not going to allow that to happen, that’s not them.

"It’s one thing opening up, it’s one thing seeing the King give a big hug to someone rather than just shake their hand..."

Ms Nicholl referred to King Charles admitting recently that he was "reduced to tears" after watching Queen Camilla's domestic abuse documentary as an example of something unlikely to have been revealed under the previous reign.

"That’s fine, that’s relatability, connectability and empathy, but the backbone of what they do isn’t going to change," she continued.

"That service to others, lifelong commitment to duty, that backbone that props the whole institution up - that’s not going to change."

Ms Nicholl went on to say: "I think it’s modernising at some pace, but I think it’s only now had the opportunity to do that because the late Queen’s reign was so lengthy, it didn’t have the opportunity to modernise the way it is now….

"It can’t jump too quickly ahead of the curve, it has to keep up…. [but] it had to change, that’s the point."

The Sun's Mr Wilkinson said "it's just interesting to see" William modernising "within" the Firm, while Harry "has thrown his toys out the pram and is trying to modernise his role outside the Royal Family".

He added: "I think I know which one will be more successful - I’m really looking forward to seeing how it develops over the next couple of years."

'WORST YEAR OF MY LIFE'

William has described 2024 as “probably the worst year of my life” as he dealt with the cancer struggles of his wife as well as father King Charles.

He outlined his plans in Cape Town, where he spent four days for his £50million Earthshot Prize rewarding environmental innovators.

The heir to the throne, who also set up a Homewards programme to end homelessness, said: “I can only describe what I’m trying to do, and that’s I’m trying to do it differently and I’m trying to do it for my generation.

“And to give you more of an understanding around it, I’m doing it with maybe a smaller ‘r’ in the royal, if you like. That’s maybe a better way of saying it.

“So it’s more about impact philanthropy, collaboration, convening and helping people.

“And I’m also going to throw empathy in there as well, because I really care about what I do. It helps impact people’s lives. And I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world.

“So that’s what I’m trying to bring. That’s what Catherine is trying to bring as well."