Prince William ‘under pressure’ to save monarchy after ‘brutal’ year: expert

As King Charles continues his battle with cancer, his successor, Prince William, is preparing to become the next monarch – and no one will stand in his way.

British royal expert Hilary Fordwich made the claim, saying the Prince of Wales feels the future of “The Firm” looming over his head.

“Prince William is dedicated to duty, as instilled in him by Queen Elizabeth II, who taught him every Sunday about his royal duties,” Fordwich told Fox News Digital. “He is also under a lot of generational pressure as the increasing public popularity of the monarchy comes first for both him and Princess Catherine.”

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Fordwich also claimed that Prince Harry and Prince Andrew were “wary of his anger”.

“Harry’s ‘Spare’ party, with its scathing accusations against the royal family, particularly his denigration of the Princess of Wales, made it the ‘last straw’ as William put it to those around him,” Fordwich claimed.

She noted that William felt he and his wife had been “bitterly attacked” in Harry’s testimony. As for the disgraced Duke of York, William believes he “put the family at risk” because of his controversial links with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“As a millennial, he will not and cannot risk public association with disastrous family members who only distract him from public duty,” Fordwich added.

Fordwich’s claims came shortly after sources said In contact that the father of three gave in when it came to decisions about the future of the monarchy.

“It’s no secret that anyone who pushes back will be shown the door immediately,” said a palace insider. “He doesn’t want to put up with any nonsense, and rumor has it he’s already on his way to becoming the toughest ruler the family has ever seen.”

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Sources also said William has “never been more influential” than he has been in recent months. They said the 42-year-old does not shy away from “making decisions that he believes will benefit the Crown in the long term”.

“I speak to people close to him who say he is very difficult to work with and relentless in his drive to achieve,” royal expert Ian Pelham Turner said. “He doesn’t suffer fools gladly.”

“It has often been said that it is very difficult for King Charles to make decisions, particularly about his two sons and how to deal with Harry,” said Pelham Turner. “William is far more honest, like his grandfather Prince Philipwho would push people out of the way if they stood in front of him. . . . He is extremely ambitious.”

British television presenter and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that William is determined to restore the monarchy’s reputation. The past year has been “brutal” for the prince, he admitted, due to his family’s health saga.

Both Charles and his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton were diagnosed with cancer in 2024. In September, the Princess of Wales announced that she had finished chemotherapy.

“Prince William is well aware that the Royal Family has taken a hit over the past few years, from members of his own family creating unnecessary chaos, family illness and negative noise surrounding the royal finances,” Chard explained.

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“Last year was the hardest in his life,” she said. “However, he has emerged with renewed energy and purpose. Prince William is very much a confident family man. He is also redefining his role as heir to the throne. With his relaxed image restored, he continues to help people through charitable service, using his platform for significant good.”

“He supports King Charles, regularly performs state and national duties,” Chard continued. “He surprisingly took to the role like a duck to water, commanding center stage at every event.

“His future role as king is in sight. However, he does not believe that all of his father’s principles are gospel. He is his own man and wants to show a more modern, comprehensive face of the monarchy.”

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Sources told In Touch that William is “usurping” more power from King Charles.

But experts told Fox News Digital that the king is happily letting his eldest son take the reins.

“King Charles is reportedly relieved and delighted that Prince William has taken such a dutiful, devoted approach to the monarchy,” Fordwich said. “He is not the playboy of many past Princes of Wales, his ancestors who did not take the role seriously and/or were seriously devoted to debauchery.”

Sources believe that with the king, 76, continuing cancer treatment, William admitted “his time to reign will be sooner rather than later”.

Chard said William’s goal was to improve the family’s image.

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“He makes strategic decisions that will benefit the crown,” Chard said. “He values ​​loyalty and will not allow anyone to further tarnish the family name. The Sussexes and Prince Andrew, and indeed anyone who crosses the line, will stay away.”

“Prince William is currently working to remove unnecessary costs from the royal family and generally to achieve sustainability,” Chard said. “The Sovereign Grant should increase by almost 56 million dollars.

“The royal family has to show value for [that] money. He was warned of the fact that the public is demanding more financial transparency. Prince William shows strength of character as he leads a monarchy that is constantly evolving into clear waters.”

Fordwich added that William wants to be seen as a “hands-on” king bringing positive change to the UK. His charities and causes – from mental health to the environment – ​​gave a glimpse of what kind of monarch he might one day be.

“You can look at the projects he’s favored so far, like the Earthshot award, his goal to reduce homelessness within five years … and other programs around mental health issues,” Fordwich said.

William previously said he and his wife, 43, were “committed to service”.

“For us, it’s not telling people what to do,” he said. “It’s about serving and supporting them in the way they think is best.”