Prince William Has “Big Plans” for Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie’s Kids

The heir is thinking ahead.

Prince William has a keen eye on his future. While King Charles III hasn’t yet given up his post as monarch, it appears his heir is already preparing for when he ascends the throne. The Prince of Wales reportedly intends to continue his father’s plans to “slim down” the monarchy. But, even so, William supposedly has two young, more-low key royals in mind for significant roles.

According to the New York Post, William has begun “seizing more power” from Charles and is “putting his foot down on several key decisions.” One of these decisions is seemingly giving “some lesser-known royals more of a spotlight.”

James, Earl of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor, Duchess Sophie, Princess Charlotte, Princess Kate, Prince Louis, and Prince William during the coronation of King Charles III.

Specifically, William hopes to tap Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie’s two kids, Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, Earl of Wessex, 17.

Despite their regal associations, both royal children have managed to fly largely under the radar, which is in large part attributable to their parents’ protection. Louise and James were eligible to use HRH titles from birth, however, Edward and Sophie turned down the honor in an effort to give them a more “normal” upbringing. Per Tatler, the royal couple have instead left the decision to be referred to by the title to their kids when they turn 18.

James, Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, Lady Louise Windsor, and Duchess Sophie at Bristol Zoo on July 2023, 2019.

“We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living,” the Duchess of Edinburgh told the Sunday Times Magazine. “Hence we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely.”

It turns out, Sophie was right. When Louise turned 18, she was offered the title “Princess Louise,” however, she turned it down. It’s just a matter of months before James makes his own decision.

James, Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, Lady Louise Windsor, and Duchess Sophie at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

While Louise and James have attended major royal engagements in the past, including Charles’s coronation in May 2023, they have avoided the spotlight, instead focusing their efforts into their education. Louise attends Scotland’s University of St. Andrews, where William met Princess Kate.

If William were to enlist Louise and James’s help, they would have to make some major changes.

“Should they accept the role, the duo will begin receiving public funding, which in turn would mean they will have to start undertaking public-facing engagements and events to represent the Crown,” the New York Post wrote.