Prince William defended over Eugene Levy interview comments: 'Shouldn’t be seen as criticism of King Charles'
The Prince of Wales admitted he wants to bring "change" to the future monarchy
In a rare interview, Prince William opened up about his vision for the future of the monarchy during a heart-to-heart conversation with Canadian actor Eugene Levy.
However, some took his comments as a subtle criticism of King Charles. But royal insiders and historians are pushing back, saying the prince’s words were misinterpreted.
Prince William on bringing ‘change’ to the monarchy
In the October 3 episode of Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler, Eugene met the Prince of Wales for a private tour of Windsor Castle.
What unfolded was far more intimate than expected. Sitting inside a cosy Windsor pub, the 43-year-old heir to the throne revealed a desire to shake up tradition, not by tearing it down, but by gently modernising it.
“I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good, and I embrace that and I enjoy that change. I don’t fear it,” William told Eugene. “That’s the bit that excites me. The idea of being able to bring some change.”
In another part of the episode, William said: “I like a little bit of change. I want to question things more, I think it’s important tradition stays. But are we still doing and having the most impact we could be having? If you’re not careful, history can be a real weight and an anchor around you, and you can feel suffocated by it. I think it’s important to live for the here and now.”
‘This shouldn’t be seen as criticism of King Charles’
Despite William’s comments about change, according to royal historian Robert Lacey, this isn’t “criticism” of how his father Charles is running the monarchy.
“This shouldn’t be seen as criticism of King Charles,” Lacey told PEOPLE. “He is very close to his father and has been his most important supporter.”
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith agreed, noting that William’s openness isn’t rebellion, it’s evolution.
“William seems to be signalling that he wants to break out of the conventional mold,” she said.
His willingness to speak personally, about family stress, emotional resilience, and parenting, is a notable departure from the monarchy’s historically stiff upper lip.
In the episode, William acknowledged how difficult the past year has been, citing both his wife Kate’s and King Charles’ cancer diagnoses.
“2024 was the hardest year that I’ve ever had,” he admitted. “Life is sent to test us. It definitely can be challenging at times.”
Prince William’s interview with Eugene Levy
William also offered a rare glimpse into his home life with Kate and their three children: George, Charlotte, and Louis.
“If you don’t start the children off now with a happy, healthy, stable home, I feel you’re setting them up for a bit of a hard time,” he said, noting the family’s no-phones-at-the-table rule and emphasis on emotional connection.
That level of transparency is what royal watchers are calling the future king’s “power”, a way to lead by vulnerability rather than detachment.
“The two words ‘change’ and ‘monarchy’ don’t naturally go together,” said royal author Andrew Morton. “Monarchy is about continuity. To predicate your future life on the change you’re going to make… that’s a delicate mechanism.”
William’s comments about history being a potential “weight” or “anchor” also struck a nerve for many, especially those eager to see a monarchy that reflects the times.
Still, the prince isn’t throwing away tradition. Instead, it’s believed that he’s positioning himself as a monarch for the moment: grounded, thoughtful, and emotionally aware.
“Prince William’s been quite vocal about what he wants to do when the time comes,” a palace source told PEOPLE. “[He wants to be] more accessible, more approachable.”
Read more: Dame Mary Berry gushes over Prince William’s ‘immensely proud’ behaviour towards Kate Middleton
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