Prince William considers major break from tradition that critics label 'ridiculous'
Prince William, who just celebrated his 43rd birthday, is under pressure to abandon a long-standing tradition of the Royal Family that critics are labelling as "ridiculous" and more suited to a Disney fairy tale. As he considers how his coronation ceremony might look, there's chatter about him opting for something more understated.
King Charles has already influenced expectations by trimming his own coronation ceremony by 30 minutes in comparison to Queen Elizabeth II's three-hour spectacle. According to Roya Nikkah, Royal Editor for The Sunday Times, Prince William seems poised to break from tradition, aiming for a ceremony that feels "relevant" today and serves to bring together the Commonwealth.
Someone close to William mentioned that he may choose a quieter coronation that echoes the simpler ceremonies of medieval monarchs, with an emphasis on aligning with modern societal values, embracing diversity, and cutting down ostentatious displays.
READ MORE - Benidorm heartthrob Jake Canuso looks unrecognisable now post 'miserable' split
READ MORE - Couple 'removed from TUI hotel and barred from flights' after row over food
The discussion even includes suggestions of dispensing with the Imperial State Crown, a £5 billion jewel-encrusted icon made in 1937, boasting 3,170 gems. The crown has been a symbol of coronations, previously worn by Charles as he led the post-ceremony procession.
Some voices are calling for the retirement of what they see as an antiquated symbol from a different age. An insider mocked the concept of a fairytale-like coronation, sharply contrasting it with the distinguished garb seen at William and Catherine's nuptials, telling Cambridgeshire Live: "That ridiculous thing that looks like it's out of Disney? No. What I remember most about that day were William and Catherine's robes, Catherine's beautiful, simple headpiece, and William wearing nothing on his head,", reports the Mirror.
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Amidst speculation over Prince William's choice of crown for his eventual coronation, there is a sentimental allure to the Imperial State Crown due to its ties with both his father and grandmother, The Times points out.
Prince William has shown a penchant for defying expectations when it comes to traditional dress codes; he made a notable deviation from Court Dress in 2024 during the Order of the Garter ceremony.
Whereas King Charles III was attired in the customary "knee socks and embroidered garter," William opted for a contemporary white tie and standard trousers look.
The Daily Mail's Diary Editor, Richard Eden, expressed his disappointment at the time, remarking: "William was at the event, but he opted for white tie and just regular trousers – so a bit of a disappointment really. It would be great to see him in those silk stockings and breeches."
Despite having worn knee-breeches on previous occasions, Eden suggested that William appears "uncomfortable" dressing so formally and speculated that Princess Kate probably enjoys these high-society moments.
Eden noted: "You can always see her sort of teasing and giggling at him – particularly when it's the Order of the Garter ceremony where he has to wear all the velvet robes and the feathers. That's always fun."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
William & Kate moving to 8-bed ‘forever home' in Windsor as they plan ‘fresh start' after Princess's cancer treatment
PRINCE William is moving his family to a 'forever home' in a bid to build happy memories after three tough years. Eight-bedroom Forest Lodge, nestled in Windsor Great Park, is where William, Kate and children George, Louis and Charlotte will remain even after he becomes King. 12 12 Insiders say they are hoping for a 'fresh start' after a difficult time at Adelaide Cottage, during which Queen Elizabeth died and Kate and Charles were diagnosed with cancer. It is the ideal pad for their young family and far removed from Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. They are paying for the move and rent at no extra cost to the taxpayer, it is understood. And, unlike Harry and Meghan when they splashed £2.4million of taxpayers' money on Frogmore Cottage, Wills and Kate are funding all renovations themselves and will have no live-in staff. The Sussexes later paid back the money before being evicted by King Charles. Planning applications seen by The Sun show work has already started on minor internal and external renovations at the 328-year-old, Grade II-listed lodge — and the Waleses aim to be in by Christmas. The home offers spectacular views and football-mad William will be able to see the Wembley Arch from his bedroom window. And Kate has already been spotted picking new furniture to kit out the new abode, including a 24-seater table. A source close to the Waleses told The Sun last night: 'Windsor has become their home. 'However, over the last few years while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage there have been some really difficult times. Kate dazzles as she arrives at glitzy state banquet with William & Charles after rolling out red carpet for Macron 'Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter; an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind.' The source added: 'This is a move for the long-term. They see it as their forever home.' Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter; an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind Source The Sun understands the move from Kensington Palace in London to Adelaide Cottage three years ago was partly designed to test life in Windsor and see if it worked for them as a family. They have since settled in the Berkshire town with the children said to be happy together at Lambrook School a few miles away. Insiders say the Windsor location allows Wills and Kate to be 'as hands on as possible' as parents while balancing Royal Family commitments. 12 12 They have been very keen to join their children on the school run. Despite retaining happy memories at Adelaide Cottage, which is four miles from their new home, the past three years have been incredibly difficult. Weeks after moving in they had to cope with the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. Then in February 2024 King Charles revealed he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer. Upgrade on Adelaide Cottage Just a month later Kate told how she too had cancer and she began her recovery at Adelaide Cottage. We can reveal planning permission for modest internal and external renovations to Forest Lodge were lodged with the council in June. Documents show it requires new doors and windows, stripping out of internal walls, renovated ceilings and new floors. But there are no plans for any demolition or new outbuildings. The freehold is owned by the King in care of The Crown Estate. The most recent tenants have bought a new property and moved out. Forest Lodge was last renovated in 2001 at a cost of £1.5million. At the time it was valued at £5.5million but according to house price indication indices it would be worth around £16million if put on the open market. The media were allowed inside Forest Lodge to capture images of the renovations and restoration 24 years ago. It revealed original stonework, elaborate plaster cornices, ceiling decoration, marble fireplaces, Venetian windows and half-barrel vaulted hallway ceiling. By Matt Wilkinson WILLIAM'S decision for a forever home in Windsor Great Park serves as a fresh beginning for his family but also a statement on his future. He is planning to raise his children not in a palace or a castle — but in a house. The family of five's country pile is a world away from the suffocating walls of Buckingham Palace or the draughty passageways of Windsor Castle. It is now clear that William is unlikely to ever live in the palace, which has been home to monarchs since 1837. The London landmark, along with Windsor Castle, will likely be opened up to the public, allowing more royal functions. Unlike Harry and Meghan, when they were handed Frogmore Cottage and splashed £2.5million of taxpayer money on renovations, the family are footing the repair bill and rent. They enjoyed Adelaide Cottage, but it was almost a trial to see if the family could happily settle away from London. The children loved it, they were close to their school and Windsor. And that close family atmosphere will continue at Forest Lodge, where they will still have no live-in staff. The Princess of Wales has strongly advocated countryside pursuits helping her cancer recovery. After three new homes in as many years they will spend the rest of their days at Forest Lodge and Anmer Hall, in beautiful Norfolk. For King and Country(side). In 2001 it went on the rental market for £15,000 a month. Planning applications from the time show three stables were built on the site and existing garages were changed into two semi-detached houses. Two replacement garages were also constructed. The surrounding land comes with several cottages, a large pond and a tennis court. It was listed as Grade II status in 1972 and the official record shows it boasts a cellar, built in Flemish bond red brick, original slate roof, six chimneys, nine bay windows and entrance hall leading into a central drawing room. The home is an upgrade on Adelaide Cottage but still half the size of Prince Andrew's 31-room Royal Lodge. Both are nestled in the heart of the 4,800-acre Great Park. After packing then unpacking their bags, the Waleses will have lived in three properties in as many years. They switched from Kensington Palace into four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage in summer 2022. That move meant they were nearer to Lambrook School on the outskirts of Bracknell. Forest Lodge is ten minutes closer again. The family still have Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, which they use for school holidays and occasional weekends. A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed to The Sun last night: 'The Wales family will move house later this year.' HEIR TO STAY & DONE ROAMIN WILLS and Kate had set up home in Scotland, Wales, London and Norfolk before ending up in Royal Windsor. 12 12 12 12 12 They first lived together while at the University of St Andrews in a house-share with two friends in 2002. Before their 2011 wedding and for two years after, they lived in a four-bedroom cottage in Anglesey, where Wills was a search and rescue pilot. The couple relocated to Nottingham Cottage, at Kensington Palace, after Prince George was born. And when Apartment 1a at Kensington Palace was renovated, they moved in. In 2015, they moved into Norfolk country retreat Anmer Hall, a wedding present from Elizabeth II. In 2022, they made the move to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate.
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Time Out
This Midwest city is transforming into a real-life Goosebumps story for Halloween
Remember getting goosebumps reading Goosebumps as a kid? This October, you can relive those middle school scares as R.L. Stine's hometown gets a Fear Street makeover, just in time for Halloween. Columbus, Ohio will celebrate the beloved series all month with loads of events and a meetup with the author himself. Columbus will transform into a living, breathing Goosebumps book, bathed in an eerie, slime-green light. The takeover coincides with several spooky milestones: the tenth anniversary of the Goosebumps film, the Disney+ reboot's continued buzz and the August release of Stine's latest page-turner, The Last Sleepover. This celebration is set to be a Halloween experience that's equal parts nostalgia trip, pop culture celebration and spine-chilling party. The scares kick off October 2 with a free outdoor screening of Goosebumps at Columbus Commons, part of the Sunset Movie Series. From there, the fright factor only ramps up. On October 23, Stine will unveil an actual "Fear Street" sign before his public author talk and signing at Columbus Metropolitan Library. That night, look up—City Hall, the Short North arches, Franklin Park Conservatory and other landmarks will glow neon slime-green in his honor. Even more local institutions are joining in to celebrate the hometown horror. Franklin Park Conservatory will host a Goosebumps -themed scavenger hunt, ZipZone Outdoor Adventures will offer spooky night flights and the Columbus Crew will debut an MLS-first: a UV-reactive slime-covered jersey designed with Adidas. And because no Halloween is complete without themed bites and drinks, the city's award-winning dining scene is going all in. Law Bird (a 2025 James Beard semifinalist) will serve a special Goosebumps menu, Budd Dairy Food Hall is crafting cocktails inspired by the books and Land-Grant Brewing Co. is transforming into "Nightmare on Town Street" with cauldrons, cobwebs and a signature green lime slushie. From a witch-and-warlock paddle on the Scioto River to story time challenges at local bookstores, this celebration is for fans old enough to remember the '90s TV series and new readers discovering the scares for the first time. Columbus isn't just honoring R.L. Stine—it's inviting you to step inside his twisted imagination.
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Telegraph
Palace gave Princess Anne two ‘secret stepchildren' in online blunder
The Palace says the fact was attributed after avoiding 'otherwise rigorous checking process' Buckingham Palace erroneously declared that the Princess Royal had two stepchildren in an online profile marking her 75th birthday. The piece – entitled 75 facts about the Princess Royal – included at number 14: 'Her Royal Highness also has two stepchildren from her second marriage to Sir Timothy Laurence, Tom and Amy Laurence.' Sir Tim does not have any children, and while the Queen's son is called Tom Parker Bowles there are no known members of the extended Royal family called Amy. 'Best hidden royal secret ever' The blunder prompted bafflement among royal watchers, who queried whether Sir Tim had children that had been sequestered away. One social media user wrote: 'Pretty sure this is an error, but how did that happen? I can't think of any Tom and Amy siblings in the extended Royal family.' Another said: 'That would be the best hidden royal secret ever.' An hour or so after the piece was published, it was swiftly deleted, and later updated and reposted. A palace source said the inaccurate fact was included in error after it was inserted as a late addition and not put through the otherwise rigorous checking process. The Telegraph was told on Friday that the offending 'fact' had been sourced from a 'reputable publication online'. That publication is understood to be Women and Home magazine, which published incorrect information in 2023. Women and Home was contacted for comment. The palace marked the Princess's 75th birthday with the release of a new portrait taken by John Swannell, her favoured photographer. The King's younger sister is celebrating the milestone with a holiday, sailing around the Western Isles of Scotland with her husband.
