In a striking shift within the royal household, Prince William is making waves by reorganizing key positions among his staff.
This recent overhaul sees two of his closest friends stepping into significant roles, marking a new chapter for the Prince of Wales as he navigates his responsibilities.
William Van Cutsem and Harry Aubrey Fletcher, both trusted allies of Prince William, have been elevated to positions of authority within the royal staff.
Notably, these men hold the title of godparents to Prince George and Prince Louis, William’s own children, which adds a personal touch to their appointments.
This move comes at a time when Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, who had dedicated over two decades to serving the royal family, is departing from her role.
Since inheriting the Duchy of Cornwall following his father’s coronation, Prince William has been proactive in implementing changes to the management of this sprawling 1,300-acre estate.
The Duchy, established in 1337 by King Edward III, encompasses 135,000 acres of royal land across England.
With these recent appointments, William is clearly signaling a reliance on his trusted network as he takes the reins of the Duchy.
According to GB News, both Van Cutsem and Fletcher have been pivotal figures in William’s life, having shared important moments, such as their weddings, where William served as usher.
Their new roles will involve advising the Board of the Estate Applaud of Land, a venture that is projected to generate an impressive £23 million annually for the prince.
Van Cutsem, who serves as Prince George’s godfather, brings expertise as a chartered surveyor with a focus on commercial real estate development.
Meanwhile, Fletcher, the godfather to Prince Louis, manages a portfolio of rural businesses across several counties, including Buckinghamshire and West Sussex.
Their backgrounds suggest they are well-equipped to handle the complexities of royal estate management.
However, this reshuffling isn’t without its controversies.
Reports indicate that Prince William has opted to part ways with Annabel Elliot, his interior designer.
This decision, which has garnered attention, was made despite her long-standing service and contributions to the royal family.
It’s worth noting that King Charles initially appointed Elliot during his tenure as Prince of Wales.