A royal expert has predicted that Prince Charles is likely to “cut the monarchy down” once he becomes king.
During an interview with talkRadio, royal author Angela Levin said the Prince would streamline the royal family.
Levin claimed, “Prince Charles has wanted for a very long time to cut the monarchy down to save costs and to make people be worth the money that they get from the taxpayer.”
As for who will be cut from the family, Levin pointed to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as likely candidates.
She said, “I imagine that might be when Harry and Meghan are ditched from being members of the Royal family.”
Levin, whose books on the royal family include Harry: Conversations with the Prince that featured exclusive interviews with the Duke of Sussex before he left the family, supported growing rumours about the royal family’s spending.
If the plan is true and goes ahead, royals not included in the direct line of succession and their spouses could have their positions reconsidered.
The “outer edge” of the royal family has been kept together by the Queen for “sentimental reasons” according to Levin.
“At her age she didn’t really particularly want change which I think is understandable – but he wants to change and I think he will do that,” she said.
The list of remaining royals could be as small as Charles, Camilla, William, Kate, and their three children.
This isn’t the first time Charles has considered cutting down the royal family either.
In 2019, Prince Andrew’s “trainwreck” interview with the BBC prompted Charles to reportedly turn against his brother.
Charlie Proctor, editor Royal Central, said at the time, “I should imagine support for a slimmed-down monarchy have shot up overnight.”
Levin also predicted Charles may encourage his family to take on jobs, following royals in their neighbouring European countries.
Following the death of Prince Philip, Levin suspects that Charles will take on a large portion of his father’s position as royal consort.
Now as the most senior male member of the royal family, Charles will attend the State Opening of Parliament with the Queen. Of the Queen, Levin said, “I think although she wants to do her duties she will step back, even more, it’ll be quite hard to come back after the pandemic and all the isolation.”
Levin claims the Queen will be “grateful” for Charles “taking over in making I imagine quite big decisions on behalf of the royal family” in the coming weeks.
This article originally appeared on Over60.