King Charles has spent the majority of his life preparing for the role he finally assumed in 2022, becoming monarch after the passing of his beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth II. 

Having held the title of Prince of Wales for the longest period in British history, Charles had decades to reflect on the responsibilities that would eventually fall to him, 

and to think about what kind of king he wanted to be. 

His years of preparation allowed him to nurture a variety of personal passions 

and causes, from environmental advocacy to charity work, all while preparing for his future reign.

Now that Charles is firmly seated on the throne, it’s been reported that he has been hesitant to offer guidance to his daughter-in-law, Princess Kate, on her future role as Queen Consort. 

This news has surprised some, given their close relationship and the many challenges they have faced together. However, royal expert Christopher Anderson offers a touching explanation for the King’s reluctance.

According to The Sun, King Charles has not yet sat down with Kate to coach her on her role, and neither has Queen Camilla, the current Queen Consort. This is surprising to many, as royal family members are typically expected to provide such guidance to the next generation. However, Anderson clarifies that this is not due to any lack of affection or bond between Charles and Kate. In fact, their shared experiences, particularly related to health challenges over the past year, have brought them closer. But the King’s decision not to impart advice on being Queen Consort stems from a poignant reason.

Anderson explained that Charles has refrained from offering this kind of mentorship because doing so could imply that he is preparing for his eventual departure from the throne. The King is determined to remain a strong presence on the throne for many years, and he doesn’t want to suggest otherwise by focusing on Kate’s future role. The idea of his own mortality or a transition of power doesn’t seem to fit with his plans. Instead, Charles is focused on being a king in the present, ensuring he makes the most of the time he has as monarch. 

Charles’s decision underscores his desire to make his own mark as king, following over seven decades of waiting for the opportunity. Rather than looking ahead to his son Prince William’s ascension, the King is intent on staying in the moment and continuing the work he started when he took the throne. This forward-looking approach ensures that Charles remains dedicated to his duties and legacy, without prematurely passing the torch.

Interestingly, Prince William, who is first in line to the throne, has begun to consider how he might approach his own reign. During a trip to South Africa for the Earthshot Prize in November 2023, William spoke about his desire to bring a more modern touch to the monarchy. When asked about his approach to royal engagements, he shared that he was trying to do things differently and focus on the issues that matter most to his generation. He described his approach as having “maybe a smaller r in the royal,” emphasizing a more accessible, modern style of leadership.

Prince William’s desire to shift away from some of the formality traditionally associated with the Royal Family is part of his vision for the future. He has expressed a commitment to “impact philanthropy” and collaboration, working to make a difference in people’s lives through his initiatives. William also spoke about the importance of empathy in leadership, something he feels is needed in today’s world. “I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world,” he said, highlighting his desire to lead with compassion and understanding.

While King Charles continues to focus on his reign, it is clear that Prince William is already contemplating how he will approach his role when the time comes. The Prince of Wales is looking to balance tradition with modernity, and to build a future where the monarchy can remain relevant and impactful in the lives of the people it serves. 

Both Charles and William are dedicated to the monarchy’s future, each in their own way—Charles with a focus on the present, and William with an eye toward the evolving nature of leadership in the 21st century.

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