William just dealt a major blow to Harry and Meghan – the future King means business

Express reporter Adam Toms argues that the King’s heir has just proven he is serious about the survival of the monarchy

Prince William would like to modernise the monarchy (Image: Getty)

It is a sad fact of biology that the King won’t be with us for very long. Unlike his late mother, he will not reign for more than 70 years. Queen Elizabeth II was an anomaly in the monarchy’s story – surpassing Queen Victoria’s stint on the throne, and still going for seven years. Charles is already 77-years-old and has had health issues recently, which he is coping with admirably, still going about and smashing his duties. You only have to look at his recent visit to the United States in order to understand what an amazing asset our country has in him.

But one day, he will sadly pass into the annals of history, and his son, William, the Prince of Wales, will become King. The Crown has experienced many changes, from Magna Carta and the foundation of the Church of England, to the oldest female heirs now being first in the line of succession. It is understood that he would like to modernise the Crown, ensuring it is fit for the rest of the 21st century.

He said earlier this year: “I think I can say it very clearly: change is definitely on my agenda.” William added that this would be “change for the better”; “not too radical a change, but change that needs to happen”.

Princess Catherine and Prince William have already established themselves as firm royal favourites (Image: Getty)

We are most likely already seeing what this would look like, as the prince’s public appearances are often quite relaxed and conversational in style.

He and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, have also been relatively open, giving the public many glimpses of their family life on social media.

It is thought that William wants to slim down the Firm, which has already begun under Charles, who operates at the centre of a smaller group of working royals.

The most recent development, however, shows he means business.

The Prince of Wales has decided to sell off 20% of the Duchy of Cornwall’s property over a decade – presumably with the King’s blessing.

The portfolio spanning 128,000 acres across 19 counties provides William with private income of more than £20million a year after he inherited it from his father.

It was also announced that £500million will be invested in local communities, including in affordable housing and environmental projects.

It’s a very shrewd move – showing the British public that the heir to the throne is serious about modernisation, while conserving key relationships between locals and the Crown, and keeping hold of valuable assets to ensure a key revenue raiser keeps turning over income.

It is no wonder that William and Kate have firmly established themselves as favourites.

The King will be succeeded by William upon his death (Image: Getty)

Indeed, the pair continue to be the most popular living members of the clan – polling 76% and 75% respectively, according to YouGov. Only the late Queen and Princess Diana rank higher.

All of this is to the disadvantage of Harry and Meghan.

As their recent visit to Australia more or less proved, the renegade couple want to establish themselves as major players on the world stage, with lots of adoring fans and influence.

It did not go down well.

More than 80% replied “no” when asked by a Channel Seven and Roy Morgan SMS Pulse Poll of more than 1,700 Aussies: “Did Prince Harry and Meghan’s visit to Australia improve your opinion of them?” “Has this trip shown you a more positive side of Meghan?” 75% said it had not.

“After this trip, would you welcome Prince Harry and Meghan moving to Australia?” Nearly 60% replied, no thanks.

It seems abandoning your family and sniping at them from another country does not ensure you become the public’s darlings.

Staying put and doing your duty, what you were born to do, does.

CRE: https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2210111/william-major-blow-harry-meghan-duchy-cornwall