Prince William to Discuss the Monarchy’s Future at Balmoral

The royals are headed to Scotland for their annual getaway to Balmoral Castle, where they will enjoy some rest, relaxation, and—of course—family fun. Prince William, however, might have something else planned for the rest of the royal family: a chat about the future of the monarchy.

Royal expert Jennie Bond told OK! (perThe Mirror) that there won’t be any official “royal summit” taking place, “but it would be slightly odd if the family were all together for once and didn’t mull over what has happened and how they proceed in the future.”

While it may seem counterproductive to talk about work during a vacation, Bond explained that it once was a common practice for the royal family. “Back in the 90s there was a more formal setup when senior royals discussed strategy in a forum known as The Way Ahead Group,” she said. “Its aim was the ensure that the monarchy stayed relevant to the modern age.”

Bond continued, “There may be some similar discussions at Balmoral, William is certainly preoccupied with keeping the monarchy relevant, but essentially this is a holiday for the royals, a time to stop worrying about everything and like other families on holiday just breathe in the fresh air, relax and enjoy one another’s company.”

More of William and Kate Middleton’s plans at Balmoral were revealed this week, with a Buckingham Palace insider telling The Daily Beast that the family eagerly awaits the opening of the grouse-shooting season, also known as the “Glorious Twelfth,” on August 12.

“Balmoral is basically a very fancy Victorian hunting lodge. That is what you do up there: You go out shooting, you fish, and you have lunch in the hut,” a friend of the royal family told the outlet. “It is an important ritual for Kate and William to take their children there for the Glorious Twelfth and that is the goal this year.”