Prince William isn't just waiting around. Honestly, if you look at the moves he's making this January, it's clear he is basically running a shadow monarchy while King Charles focuses on his health. We’ve seen him more in the last few weeks than almost any other period, but it's not just about showing up at ribbon cuttings. There is a specific, almost clinical strategy behind everything he is doing right now.
He's making big changes. Shrewd ones.
The Crisis Expert in the Room
One of the most telling bits of prince william current news is the hiring of Liza Ravenscroft. She’s a heavy hitter from Edelman who specializes in crisis management. The Palace is trying to play it down, saying she’s just there for "general communications," but nobody really buys that. You don't hire a specialist in "bulletproof sunshine" unless you're expecting some clouds.
With Prince Harry expected back in the UK next week for a privacy case, the timing is a bit too perfect. William is clearly tired of being reactive. He wants to be ahead of the narrative. Expert Jennie Bond recently pointed out that this move shows William's "farsightedness." He’s looking at 2026 as a year where he stabilizes the brand, especially while the King reduces his cancer treatments and starts a "precautionary phase" of recovery.
No Reunion in Bristol
If you were hoping for a dramatic airport hug between the brothers, don't hold your breath. It's not happening.
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Buckingham Palace confirmed that while Harry is in London on January 22, William will be hundreds of miles away in Bristol. He's visiting to highlight the city’s work in sustainability and innovation. It’s a classic "work-first" deflection. By booking a high-profile engagement in a different city, he completely avoids the "will they, won't they" questions that usually plague these visits.
It’s calculated. It’s professional. And it’s a bit cold, but that's the Prince of Wales for you lately. He’s all about the job.
The Fight Over Royal Lodge
Then there’s the Prince Andrew situation. This is where William's "steeliness"—a word people keep using for the Wales family lately—really shows. Rumors are swirling that Andrew is expected to vacate the 30-room Royal Lodge by Easter.
Hilary Fordwich and other royal commentators have been pretty vocal about William being the main driver behind this. He basically wants his uncle as far away from the "Firm" as possible. He doesn't want his future reign overshadowed by old scandals. He's reportedly pushing for Andrew to move to a much humbler estate in Sandringham.
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It’s a bit of a ruthless streak. But it shows he’s listening to public sentiment. People aren't exactly fans of Andrew right now, and William knows it.
Remission and "Groundwork" for Catherine
On a more personal note, the prince william current news regarding his wife, Catherine, is actually quite positive for once. After a rough couple of years, she’s reportedly in a "remission phase" and is already filling her 2026 diary.
They did a surprise visit to Charing Cross Hospital on January 8 to thank NHS staff. It was a low-key event, but it signaled a return to their joint "power couple" status. Catherine is focusing heavily on art therapy and early childhood development this year. An insider recently told Star Magazine that even when she's resting, she's "doing groundwork behind the scenes."
William seems visibly more relaxed when she’s by his side. You can see it in the way he joked about his "lumberjack moment" while pruning trees on a farm in Herefordshire last week. He’s finding his footing again.
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The Reality of the "Forever Home"
Even future Kings have to follow the rules. Apparently, William has been "banned" from using his e-scooter at his new home, Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park.
He used to zip around Adelaide Cottage on it, but the new estate has a strict "no motorized transport" rule on its roads. It’s a tiny detail, but it’s kind of funny. Imagine the heir to the throne getting a polite "no" from a park warden. He’s reportedly fine with it, but it’s a reminder that even as he overhauls the monarchy, some traditions (and park rules) stay exactly the same.
What to Watch for Next
If you want to keep track of where the monarchy is heading, stop looking at the ceremonies and start looking at the projects.
- Sustainability and Bristol: Watch his January 22 visit. It’s going to be a template for how he wants to be seen: as a "hands-on" leader focused on the future, not just the past.
- The Earthshot Prize 2026: Nominations are already moving. This is his "Moonshot," and it’s how he’s building a global legacy independent of his father.
- Homewards: His project to end homelessness is entering its third year. Expect more announcements regarding "active delivery" in the six pilot locations like Sheffield and Aberdeen.
William is basically building a "New Monarchy" in plain sight. He's hiring crisis experts, distancing himself from family drama, and letting his work—and his wife’s recovery—do the talking. It’s a long game. And so far, he’s playing it remarkably well.
Keep an eye on the official Court Circular for his upcoming visits to Stirling on January 20. He and Catherine will be visiting the National Curling Academy and Radical Weavers. It’s a busy start to a year that looks like it will define his time as Prince of Wales.
Actionable Insights for Royal Observers:
To stay truly informed on the Prince’s trajectory, monitor the Homewards project’s local impact reports rather than just tabloid headlines. The success or failure of these specific, measurable goals in cities like Bournemouth and Newport will be the real litmus test for his leadership style as he prepares for his eventual transition to the throne.