Royal expert Andrew Lownie says Prince William is already "calling the shots" as the monarchy enters a transitional phase toward his future reign. He cites the handling of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor’s exile and William’s recent hard‑line stance on Church of England matters as evidence of a ruthless approach.

William’s Exile of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor Sets a Precedent

According to Lownie,the Prince of Wales drove the movement to exile disgraced Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor after the King struggled to "bite the bullet" with his brother.. the move left William "annoyed and frustrated," according to the biographer, and showcased a willingness to make hard decisions for the sake of a "clean stable" future reign.

Church of England Politics: A Wall of Silence

Royal experts note that William was disengaged from the Church of England during the tenure of former Archbishop Justin Welby, a period when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had close ties to the church. Lownie reports that William’s decision to keep Welby at arm’s length was a strategic move to protect his future reign.

Ruthlessness or Pragmatism? The Debate Among Royal Analysts

While Lownie frames William’s actions as ruthlessness, other experts such as Richard Fitzwilliams argue that a "ruthless streak" is necessary for a modern monarchy. Fitzwilliams praised William’s diplomatic skills and his ability to judge character, suggesting that his hard‑line tactics may be a calculated strategy.

Unanswered Questions About the Prince’s Future Reign

Key questions remain: Will William’s ruthlessness translate into policy decisions once he ascends the throne? How will his relationship with Kate and the Church of England evolve? And what will be the public’s reaction to a potentially more decisive and less compassionate monarch?