Prince William is planning to reinvent the role of the Prince of Wales in a dramatic departure from his father, according to reports.
The Duke of Cambridge, who will inherit the title when Prince Charles becomes King, plans to focus on “five or six core charity subjects” upon taking on the role.
The strategy, dubbed the “Cambridge Way” by palace aides, will see his wife Kate go on more solo tours overseas while William focuses on a handful of charitable causes.
William, 39, will place emphasis on issues including mental health, the environment and children’s early years.
The new blueprint marks a shift from the strategy adopted by his Charles – but aides insist it is not a rebuke toward the future king.
A source close to William told the Mail on Sunday: “This approach isn’t a criticism of what has come before but just an acknowledgment of a desire for change.
“It’s about hope and optimism for the future. What is driving the Duke and Duchess in everything they do is urgency plus optimism equals action.
“Many of the causes adopted by the Duke and Duchess, whether it’s Earthshot [the annual prize awarded by the Royal Foundation for contributions to environmentalism] or the early years work, also touches on every other aspect of society so it’s not that they’re excluding other good causes by having a focus.”
According to the paper, William plans to axe around 50 per cent of the estimated 140 members of staff currently working for the Prince of Wales.
It comes after both Kate and William faced a backlash following their eight-day tour of the Caribbean, which included stops in Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas.
However, the trip suffered moments of controversy as the pair were met with anti-colonial protests and calls for slavery reparations.
During the tour William denounced slavery as “abhorrent” and said “it should never have happened”.
He also declared that “who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future isn’t what is on my mind”.
In a full statement the duke said: “I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon.
“But we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with communities in all three countries, understanding more about the issues that matter most to them.
“Catherine and I are committed to service. For us that’s not telling people what to do. It is about serving and supporting them in whatever way they think best, by using the platform we are lucky to have.
“It is why tours such as this reaffirm our desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and to listen to communities around the world.
“Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future isn’t what is on my mind. What matters to us is the potential the Commonwealth family has to create a better future for the people who form it, and our commitment to serve and support as best we can.”
