Prince William’s Royal Role Grows

Alyssa Spady, Editor In-Chief

As expected as Queen Elizabeth II proceeded into her later years, royal power begun its shift to the next generation of British monarchy. While many debated as to how the line of succession would fall, either the crown in the hands of Prince Charles, the Queen’s 68-year-old son or her grandson Prince William who is 34. The Prince’s situation matches that of his grandfather, Prince Philip. When the Queen’s father, King George VI became increasingly unfit to hold the throne, the Queen moved into the palace and began the transfer of power. During this time, Prince Philip had been serving in the Royal navy. As the couple moved into the palace, the Prince took an open-ended leave from the Navy, it wasn’t until King George VI died that the Prince took official leave from the navy. Prince William has been flying for the East Anglian Air Ambulance for a number of years, a close friend to the Prince said that, “I know he has really loved living in Norfolk and being just one of the lads at work. He loves the banter” (Vanity Fair). Aside from the Prince leaving his well-liked job, this big move also raises the question amongst many, will the Queen skip over the heir to the throne, Prince Charles. But this would not be an unpopular decision if it is made by the Queen. According to a recent poll done by Optimum Research, 52% of adults would prefer that Prince William assume the throne, while only 27% would rather have Prince Charles. Whoever takes on the daunting task next, will compete with the 90 year favorable reign set by Queen Elizabeth II.