HIS decision to cull numbers was widely applauded there were too many people drawing from the public purse, too many lesser-knowns bloating the Buckingham Palace balcony at big events.
A slimmed-down monarchy was what King Charles wanted and what the public welcomed. But then the royal house of cards started tumbling down, taking the king and his star player, the Princess of Wales, out of action and leaving the rest of the pack thinner than anyone could've predicted.
Of course, Kate could soon be back and Charles is doing his best to conduct his duties virtually. But illness has exposed a stark reality: the House of Windsor is fragile and vulnerable and those left carrying the can are hardly a vibrant bunch.
Of the 10 working royals, only Kate and William are under 50. The majority are over 70 - and for a family that wants to appeal to the young, the future is looking a little shaky right now.
Here's a look at the working royals William and Kate excluded - who make up Charles' right-hand team.
THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER
Who they are Prince Richard, aka the Duke of Gloucester, is 79 and a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth. He and his 76-year-old Danish wife, Birgitte, were close to Her Majesty and have been royal family stalwarts for decades.
Richard became a duke by default. His elder brother, William, was set to inherit the title while Richard had embarked on a career in architecture. Then tragedy struck: William died in a flying accident in 1972 and Richard quit his job to become a working royal.
He met his wife at Cambridge University when he was studying architecture and she was a language student. They wed in 1972 and have three children: Alexander, Earl of Ulster, Lady Davina Windsor and Lady Rose Gilman.
Esta historia es de la edición 28 March 2024 de YOU South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición 28 March 2024 de YOU South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!
Kourtney Kardashian and other celebs are honouring the glory of new moms' postpartum bodies
LEON'S ORDEAL IS NO JOKE
Pain has dominated entertainer Leon Schuster's life after a serious back injury landed him in bed. But despite being depressed he remains hopeful he will recover so he can get back to work
'BREAK THE SILENCE'
That's the message of the Scottish comedian who turned his experience of stalking and sexual abuse into a hit Netflix show
A PLACE OF HOPE AND HEALING
Damaged people and abused dogs find a safe haven and a chance to start again at this farm in the Cape Winelands
FROM SPERM DONOR TO DAD OF 37
Peter Ellenstein's life took an unexpected turn when a message from a daughter he never knew he had led to him meeting dozens of his children and exploring what it means to be a father without ever having raised them
GRATEFUL FOR EVERY BREATH
A double lung transplant has given this chef a second chance at life - and he'll never forget the young man who made it possible
THE GAMES ARE GO!
Preparations are well under way in the City of Lights for the world's greatest sporting spectacle
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
We break down what the new rules are and what to expect for the seventh national elections later this month
TOM'S A TOP GIFTER
He's known to go ALL OUT for his movies and stunts, so it's no surprise TOM CRUISE also PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS for his friends when it comes to GIFTS
TAMING THE BEAST
Recognising and managing your anger can make for a happier and healthier you