Prince William's royal plan could see Prince Harry left 'out in the cold'

The royal family may have an even smaller lineup in the future, especially when Prince William ascends to the throne and faces fewer active senior royals.

As current working royals age, speculation is mounting that William's young children might eventually be joined by his youthful cousins like Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall to fill the void informally.

Sources close to William have claimed he's currently planning for the future and prioritizing what's important to him.

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Royal expert Jennie Bond believes these future plans won't involve Prince Harry, who was once a significant figure in the royal family.

Speaking to The Mirror, Bond expressed, "I don't think Harry figures in William's plans at all. It is a very sad situation because Harry was his wingman and would have been the brother he could rely on when he takes on the very heavy responsibility of being King."

Bond further emphasized the loss, comparing the support Harry could have offered to that which the Princess Royal provides for King Charles.

Zara Tindall has been suggested to potentially take on a significant role in royal horse racing affairs, which Bond described as a savvy move by William. She said, "There will be so many demands on his time when he is King that I think it's a brilliant idea – if the reports are to be believed – that he might hand over racing matters to Zara Tindall. Like her mother, she lives and breathes horses; she's also extremely glamorous and well-liked and it would be a perfect fit."

She further remarked, "I don't think William or Catherine are particularly interested in the racing world, so it would work out well, although I'm sure they would still trot along to Ascot from time to time. They'd always be sure of a bit of fun and a giggle with Zara and Mike."

Recalling a past interview where Prince William once notably declared that his fate does not keep him up at night, Jennie commented, "William wouldn't be human if he hadn't thought long and hard about his future role as King and how he will approach it. That much was apparent when he stated that he wanted to do his job 'with a small r'. A tiny phrase, but full of meaning."

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According to Bond, "Although he admired his grandmother hugely, and learned a great deal from her about the destiny which lies ahead of him, I think he will continue to build on his father's approach: being more than a figurehead or patron, but grappling instead with the nuts and bolts of social issues that need fixing and trying to help interested parties come up with practical solutions."

Adding to the discourse on William's evolving role, she noted, "William is taking on even bigger social issues: homelessness, mental health and the environment. But he's not just talking about them, he's taking action. And he is full of optimism and positivity; striving always to make some impact, get things rolling - even though a complete solution may not yet be possible, it's all a move in the right direction. Better to do something than nothing. And I think he will continue in this vein when he is King - as much as the role allows."

Bond also contemplated the delicate balance William must maintain as he navigates the future of the monarchy, stating, "I don't think he is comfortable with all the pomp and pageantry, although I think he will retain the grandeur of great military occasions like Trooping the Color. I cannot, though, see his coronation being anything like as grand and - let's face it, frankly really rather bizarre - as that of his father or grandmother."