The Royal Family has been spread thin in recent weeks as the Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal have been out of action – but it appears future king Prince William has a plan

King Charles’ reign has been characterized by his ambition for a leaner monarchy, avoiding the past scenario of Buckingham Palace’s balcony being crowded with non-working royals and their families.

However, with both the Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal currently unavailable, it’s been noted how thinly stretched the remaining members of the Royal Family are as they maintain their engagements and charity work.

Despite this, there seems to be no intention to bring in additional royals to ease the burden, and it’s expected to remain this way moving forward – a strategy that former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes is a positive move.

The balcony was typically full of extended members of the Royal Family(AFP via Getty Images)
“I still hold to the idea that the slimmed down Royal Family IS indeed the right model for the future,” Jennie told OK! “It’s in line with most European monarchies and is sensitive to the constant criticism that the royal family cost taxpayers too much.”

“Adding new working royals to the payroll will only exacerbate that criticism. I think the model William has experimented with is the answer: drafting in his cousins here and there (e.g. garden parties) to spice things up a bit.”

“It makes such occasions even more special and allows those cousins to get on with their lives as they wish, without the strictures of the royal diary.”

“So I think the King and William are entirely right to be determined to keep the core of working royals a small, tight unit that can be accountable to the public purse.”

Jennie’s insights follow the revelation that Prince William is set to continue his father’s vision of a pared-down monarchy.