Prince William is reportedly showing renewed interest in reforming the Royal Family’s patronage system following the release of new data that challenges its traditional effectiveness.
According to Giving Evidence, a research organization dedicated to charitable transparency and impact, charities linked to Prince Andrew saw minimal financial changes after he was stripped of his royal patronages in 2019. These findings have reportedly sparked what insiders call a “forensic interest” from the Prince of Wales.
Prince William’s Vision: Fewer Patronages, Greater Impact
Sources close to the royal household revealed to the Daily Mail that Prince William views this data as supporting his long-standing skepticism about the symbolic nature of royal patronage. He has previously emphasized that his future royal work should focus on “fewer causes” where he can make a “real and measurable difference.”
An insider stated, “The Prince believes this research could help reshape the entire system. He sees the value in cutting back ceremonial involvement in favor of genuine impact.”
Study Questions the Value of Royal Ties to Charities
The Giving Evidence study analyzed the financial health of 35 charities before and after Prince Andrew stepped down from his patron roles, following his controversial 2019 Newsnight interview regarding connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The conclusion? Most organizations experienced no major financial decline, raising questions about how much influence royal affiliations truly hold.
The report casts doubt on whether royal patronage significantly boosts charity income or visibility. The traditional perks — such as invitations to royal events, occasional visits, or the potential of receiving an honour like an MBE — may offer limited long-term value, the insider noted.
