By Michael Holden

LONDON, (Reuters) – While Queen Elizabeth will get most of the attention next week as she marks her 70th year on the throne, those who are interested in the future British monarchy should pay more attention to Prince William, her great-grandson.

British monarchs are currently facing a difficult few years in the U.S. Sex Abuse lawsuit against Elizabeth’s child Andrew. Prince Harry is William’s younger brother. He has resigned to be with his family to make way for the United States. In 2020, police will begin investigating allegations that he was involved in wrongdoing at Prince Charles, the main charity.

The Queen of 96 years old is becoming increasingly unwell and she has had to withdraw from public engagements. Her Platinum Jubilee will allow her to reflect back on the past as well as look to the future.

Many polls indicate that the majority of British people support the monarchy. His 73-year old father is not as popular but William (second in line to the crown) and Kate are most beloved royals.

Surveys also show that those under 50 years old are more skeptical about the institution.

Matthew Dennison, the biographer of Queen Elizabeth, stated that “the future rests on Prince William.” We all know public opinion is sometimes unkind.

A decade ago, during celebrations for Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee there was an important moment when she met crowds from Buckingham Palace’s balcony, accompanied by Charles and Camilla and William and Kate.

This was a reflection of Charles’ long-held plan to reduce the royal family to make it more manageable when he became King.

The shock departure of Harry and Meghan from the United States has made this impossible. This puts even greater pressure on William (39), and his family to ensure the institution’s viability in the long-term and maintain its popularity as they navigate a changing society.

“LAST MOHICANS”

Charles Rae (a former Sun journalist and royal correspondent) said that William was the “key person” because William will be the king some day. “He is the last Mohican, in essence. William has a lot to do for the future monarchy.

The 40-year-old couple, William and Kate have been the subject of positive media attention over the past five years. They are one of Hollywood’s most famous couples. British tabloids called him “work-shy Wills” in the last ten years when they accused the prince of being lazy.

He said, “To be truthful I’m going get lots of criticism throughout my life and it’s something I don’t totally ignore but it isn’t something that I fully take to heart,” in an interview with the Queen to celebrate her 90th birthday.

William is also praised for his mental health work, homelessness, and environment. But William and Kate’s trip to the Caribbean in recent years was a wake up call. They faced criticisms and protests regarding Britain’s colonial past, and some tour elements were reminiscent of an old colonial throwback.

William made a very unusual statement at the conclusion of the visit, saying “I know this tour has brought into sharper focus questions regarding the past and future.”

The Sunday Mirror reported that William and Kate have rethought the way the monarchy looks. They said they want to be called by their names, not their titles (the Duke and Duchess and the Duchess of Cambridge).

An unnamed source said that they wanted to “eliminate the bows, curtsies and formalities in public”, be more approachable and less stuffy and concentrate on the modern monarchy.

Miguel Head was the key adviser to William for 10 years, from 2008 until 2018. He said that while William didn’t like ceremonies, he did understand their importance.

Head stated to the Sunday Times that he will not give up the job when he is promoted. Head said that he is mindful of the fact the monarchy has a timeless value and people love the drama and spectacle of it.

William understands that monarchy has to adapt with times. The queen is often praised for this. In 2016, the prince praised her as his greatest role model.

“The challenge is to make the royals relevant for the next 20 years, 40 or 60 years. That’s what I want to do.