As they prepare for their future roles on the throne, the Prince and Princess of Wales are continuing to set themselves apart from previous generations of the royal family — both in how they engage with the public and how they manage their household.

This week’s release of the Sovereign Grant Report, an annual breakdown of royal finances, has once again highlighted how William and Kate are doing things their own way — this time by taking a noticeably different approach to transparency.

Unlike King Charles III, who for years has disclosed detailed information about his household staff, the Prince and Princess of Wales opted to keep certain specifics private. Their report listed only a total headcount of 68 employees, without elaborating on the roles or positions involved.

It’s a departure from the more traditional, meticulous disclosures of Charles, who routinely shared how many gardeners, chefs, housekeepers, and butlers were on staff. William also chose not to reveal details of his personal tax bill this year — another break from precedent.

Some observers see this shift as an effort to maintain a degree of privacy for the young royal family, especially while the couple is raising their three children. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are all still in school, and with Kate currently undergoing a gradual return to royal duties, a lighter public footprint may be deliberate.

A more personal approach to public life