Following Prince William’s candid comments about royal duties, royal editor Katie Nicholl suggests the prince of Wales is embracing some of the approaches championed by Prince Harry.

In an unexpected shift, Prince William has taken a page from his brother Harry’s book regarding the future of the Royal Family. During a recent interview, the Prince of Wales revealed his commitment to modernising the monarchy, emphasising a more open and empathetic approach to royal duties. This marks a significant departure from the traditional approach of previous generations of royals and has sparked speculation that William’s comments align with his estranged brother’s long-standing calls for reform.

Royal editor Katie Nicholl, writing for Vanity Fair, noted that Prince Harry, who has been vocal about his desire to see the Royal Family evolve, would likely be “sitting there thinking this is what I’ve been saying all along.” She continued, “Let’s be more open, let’s show more empathy, let’s do things a little bit differently.” This marks a notable shift in the tone of the Royal Family, one that has long been associated with reserve and formality.

Nicholl pointed out that one of the reasons Harry felt compelled to step away from royal duties and move to California was due to his perception that the institution could not accommodate the changes he felt were necessary. His departure in January 2020, alongside his wife Meghan Markle, has been the subject of ongoing tensions between the brothers, who have since not been on speaking terms.

However, as Prince William reflects on his role within the monarchy, he seems to be taking Harry’s perspective into consideration. “I’m trying to do it for my generation,” William stated, acknowledging the need to adapt royal traditions for a new era. “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,” he added, suggesting a more modern, less formal approach to his responsibilities.

Katie Nicholl observed that while Prince William’s approach to modernising the monarchy is a positive development, it has only now become possible because of the long reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which left little room for radical change. The royal family, she argued, is now in a position to evolve at a pace that reflects the needs of contemporary society, but it must do so carefully to avoid alienating its traditional supporters. “It can’t jump too quickly ahead of the curve; it has to keep up. It had to change, that’s the point,” Nicholl said.

The brothers’ ongoing feud has only served to highlight the contrast in their approaches to the royal role. While Prince William focuses on making subtle, measured changes from within, Prince Harry’s outspoken critique of the monarchy and his decision to step away entirely have continued to make headlines.

Despite the rift, there are clear signs that both brothers share a common understanding of the need for evolution, albeit through very different paths. Prince William’s recent remarks suggest that, perhaps, he has come to recognise the importance of connecting with the public in a more genuine, open manner—a view that Harry has consistently championed since his exit from royal life.

As the Royal Family adapts to the challenges of the 21st century, it appears that both brothers are trying to carve out their own legacies. William’s decision to embrace a more modern, inclusive approach to his royal duties shows that even the most traditional of institutions can change with the times, even if those changes are born from tensions within the family.

This ongoing transformation within the monarchy, now taking shape under William’s leadership, will undoubtedly influence how future generations of royals approach their roles and interact with the public. While the brothers may be at odds, their shared belief in the necessity of change for the monarchy’s survival seems to be a point of common ground. How this plays out in the years to come remains to be seen, but for now, Prince William’s vision of a modernised Royal Family may be closer to reality than ever before.