UK Prince William has taken a step toward modernising the British monarchy by dropping the "no selfies" rule once set by his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II .
The Prince of Wales is making gradual changes to the traditional royal protocols to better fit the modern world.
The 42-year-old heir to the throne has consistently shown his contemporary approach to royal duties, recently demonstrated by abolishing his grandmother's strict photography rule, which King Charles had previously upheld.
According to the Express' royal editor Emily Ferguson, discussing his recent two-day Estonia visit, "William appears to be taking a new approach to public engagements."
"On the first day of his trip, he fully embraced the crowds and appeared to revel in the dozens of requests for selfies, happily taking people's phones to take the snap himself."
The publication observed that the father of three has altered his approach towards public interactions.
"The prince always used to spend time greeting well-wishers but never with the same enthusiasm as his father," she explained.
"But that's changed in recent months, William is spending longer and longer on walkabouts and is more than happy to pose for endless pictures."
Additionally, William has reportedly modified international royal tours, favouring brief visits over extended stays.
"What you saw last week is a short, impactful trip that showcased an important issue. It's a model you're likely to see more of," a source informed the Sunday Times, regarding William's Estonia visit.
The future king spent under two days in Estonia, participating in military exercises with British troops whilst wearing combat fatigues, before returning to Britain.
These condensed visits enable the royal family to engage with numerous countries efficiently.
Reports from last year indicated William has also modernised internal communications procedures.
Alastair Martin, who served both King Charles and William at the Duchy of Cornwall, told the Times that the prince shared his mobile number, marking an "overnight adjustment."
"If you want me, just get me, just message me," Martin reports William saying, subsequently communicating via WhatsApp.
Martin noted this contrasted with the king's communication style, who typically provided his landline number.
"That's how [William] works and he's very involved. There will be weekends when my WhatsApp messages will be in double figures and I will be very responsive," he told the outlet.
"If something has gone well or badly, I will want to tell my boss and he'll be straight back."
The Prince of Wales is making gradual changes to the traditional royal protocols to better fit the modern world.
The 42-year-old heir to the throne has consistently shown his contemporary approach to royal duties, recently demonstrated by abolishing his grandmother's strict photography rule, which King Charles had previously upheld.
#PrinceOfWales #PrinceWilliam On the streets Greeting the Public doing selfies with them Shaking hands giving hugs , Little ones running up to him. He posed and many filmed him, Future King does not have 20 guards with him. pic.twitter.com/CcBvMID1FO
— Robin Lynn King - Team Wales every Day (@RobinLynnKing2) April 28, 2025
According to the Express' royal editor Emily Ferguson, discussing his recent two-day Estonia visit, "William appears to be taking a new approach to public engagements."
"On the first day of his trip, he fully embraced the crowds and appeared to revel in the dozens of requests for selfies, happily taking people's phones to take the snap himself."
The publication observed that the father of three has altered his approach towards public interactions.
"The prince always used to spend time greeting well-wishers but never with the same enthusiasm as his father," she explained.
"But that's changed in recent months, William is spending longer and longer on walkabouts and is more than happy to pose for endless pictures."
Additionally, William has reportedly modified international royal tours, favouring brief visits over extended stays.
Great to be at Mentivity House in South London and to see how it provides a safe and inspiring space for young people.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) April 24, 2025
As an organisation built on trust, listening, and a deep understanding of local needs, @mentivity is an outstanding example of what’s possible when those at… pic.twitter.com/HMS3LxitQZ
"What you saw last week is a short, impactful trip that showcased an important issue. It's a model you're likely to see more of," a source informed the Sunday Times, regarding William's Estonia visit.
The future king spent under two days in Estonia, participating in military exercises with British troops whilst wearing combat fatigues, before returning to Britain.
These condensed visits enable the royal family to engage with numerous countries efficiently.
Reports from last year indicated William has also modernised internal communications procedures.
Alastair Martin, who served both King Charles and William at the Duchy of Cornwall, told the Times that the prince shared his mobile number, marking an "overnight adjustment."
"If you want me, just get me, just message me," Martin reports William saying, subsequently communicating via WhatsApp.
Martin noted this contrasted with the king's communication style, who typically provided his landline number.
"That's how [William] works and he's very involved. There will be weekends when my WhatsApp messages will be in double figures and I will be very responsive," he told the outlet.
"If something has gone well or badly, I will want to tell my boss and he'll be straight back."
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