Prince William‘s leadership style has reportedly come under renewed scrutiny after royal historian Andrew Lownie questioned whether the future king is prepared to deliver the sweeping reforms the monarchy needs.
The royal author argued that William’s reportedly “very controlling” approach and the way he manages the Duchy of Cornwall raise concerns about his ability to restore public confidence in the institution.
Prince William’s ‘very controlling’ nature raises doubts over his abilities as future king, per expert
Speaking to News24.com.au, Lownie said the Prince of Wales would need to modernize the monarchy and improve transparency if he hopes to strengthen the royal family’s reputation after years of controversy.
Lownie, the bestselling author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, said he believes reform is essential for the monarchy’s future but expressed doubts that William is heading in that direction.
“Well, I hope so, and he should, because if it’s to survive and to restore trust and respect, he will have to do so,” Lownie said when asked whether William would clean up the monarchy after becoming king.
However, he quickly added that he remains unconvinced. “But the signs aren’t good.” According to Lownie, William exercises tight control over information and has not embraced greater openness. “William is very controlling. He has not been good at sharing information,” he said.
Lownie also aimed at William’s handling of the Duchy of Cornwall, the private estate established in 1337 to provide income for the heir to the British throne. William inherited the Duchy following Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022. The estate now provides a significant private income for the Prince of Wales and his family.
While acknowledging its importance, Lownie argued that the Duchy’s operations should be more transparent. “He is running the Duchy of Cornwall as very much a ruthless business operation—he’s taking rent off the lifeboats, the army, hospitals—and all sorts of people,” Lownie claimed. “And he’s making billions, well, certainly tens of millions each year.”
Originally reported by Khushali Srivastava on RealityTea.
