Prince William Faces a Huge "Quandry" That Could "Further Hurt" Certain Family Members When He Becomes King

Prince William looking serious in front of an apple tree

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 16 October 2025

Prince William has made it clear that he has his own plans for the monarchy and wants to make big changes when he becomes King one day. The Prince of Wales takes a different approach to royal life than his father, King Charles—just like The King does things in a more modern way than his late mother, Queen Elizabeth. But William and Charles also have differing opinions when it comes to dealing with family drama—especially one particular member of the Royal Family.

Writing for the iPaper, royal expert Jennie Bond said that Prince Andrew should "fear the day" when the Prince of Wales steps up to the throne. The Duke of York stepped down from royal duties after his association with Jeffrey Epstein, but a new series of emails between Epstein, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have brought the York family back into scandal.

Bond writes that the Duke and Duchess of York have done "untold and unsustainable damage to the monarchy" through their friendship with the convicted sex offender. But with King Charles being a man of "harmony," it might turn to Prince William to "wield the axe."

Prince Andrew and King Charles laughing and holding programs standing next to Prince William, who is looking away — Prince Andrew, The King and Prince William are seen at the Duchess of Kent's funeral in September 2025.

Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales attends the launch of the Global Humanitarian Memorial in London on October 1, 2025. The Memorial, created by Michael Landy and the Humanitarian Memorial Committee, celebrates humanitarians across the world, and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives whilst delivering humanitarian aid. (Photo by Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) — Prince William could take a firmer stance with Prince Andrew when he becomes King.

The King might not be especially close to his younger brother, Andrew, but he's been reluctant to completely exclude the Duke of York from family functions over the years. Prince William, on the other hand, "is prepared to challenge tradition," as Bond noted.

During the Duchess of Kent's funeral in September, the Prince of Wales shared an awkward moment with his uncle that made it clear he was not fond of interacting with him. And while William has reportedly taken a much firmer stance on including Prince Andrew in royal events than The King, the problem lies with cousins Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.

Describing William as "stubborn and determined," Bond notes that drawing a hard line on Andrew and Fergie, however, presents "a quandary for the Prince of Wales." The former BBC royal correspondent writes that William "does not have a heart of steel" and "is very fond of his cousins...who adore their parents, in spite of everything that has happened."

"Banishing or humiliating Andrew and Fergie would cause the sisters further hurt," she adds. "And that’s a tough nut for William to crack."

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Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.