Prince William proves his modern approach to royal role is here to stay during latest outing

Prince William proved his modern approach to his royal role and engagements is here to stay during his latest outing. 

• The Prince of Wales took part in a selfie with members of an RAF community during a visit to Coningsby on November 18. 
• It’s believed that selfies are generally avoided by royals but Prince William has been seen participating in these personal pictures often in 2022.  
• This royal news comes as Sarah Ferguson's “original” card to a royal fan after the Queen's death was revealed.  

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth in September and King Charles’ accession, Prince William has taken on the hugely important role of Prince of Wales. Now first in the royal line of succession, Prince William has even greater royal responsibilities than before and his packed schedule has continued to see him travel the length and breadth of the country. And whilst rumors persist that King Charles wants to “cut down” the Royal Family’s working members and make other changes, he might not be the only one looking to do things a little differently. 

Particularly in 2022, Prince of Wales has been observed taking a more personal approach at engagements. During his latest visit to RAF Coningsby on November 18, Prince William proved his modern approach is here to stay as he took part in an activity previously believed to be frowned upon for the Royal Family…

The Prince of Wales traveled to RAF Coningsby to see the BAE systems typhoon maintenance facility and learn what the future of jet support might look like, from VR headset to exoskeletons. And as well as getting a unique understanding of the technology, the King’s eldest son was also pictured meeting staff and their families.

In one sweet snap shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram account, Prince William can be seen beaming and leaning in for a selfie with two members of the crowd. This personal display could be seen as especially significant given that it was believed that selfies were generally a no-go due to royal protocol rules and that royals should aim to avoid them. 

So far this year, however, Prince William seems to have dispensed with this reported protocol. Back in March during their Caribbean Tour, both he and the Princess of Wales participated in a selfie with the Jamaica Bobsleigh and Skeleton team. According to body language expert Judi James, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s real reaction to this moment apparently suggested that “as more modern royals, they both look[ed] incredibly comfortable with the experience”. 

This wasn’t the only time this modern approach was showcased as a few months later Prince William’s hug with an elderly man in Scotland also stole our hearts and they were also seen leaning in for photos with fans. The Prince and Princess of Wales have also been pictured taking part in selfies with fans at engagements throughout 2022. This includes the visit to Swansea in September where Kate and Prince William were welcomed to Wales by a young fan. 

The couple were pictured taking part in selfies with members of the crowd during this first trip to Wales as Prince and Princess of Wales. Although this could be seen as a departure from protocol, former royal butler Grant Harrold previously expressed his belief to OK! that, “William and the other younger royals have realized that they can’t get away with being aloof.” 

And with his participation in selfies at RAF Coningsby it could be said that Prince William proved his modern approach to his role and engagements isn’t going anywhere.