What Happens If Prince William Gives Up Throne? Fans Discuss

Prince William will one day become king, and it is highly unlikely for him to give up his throne.

But on the online forum site Quora, royal fans discussed a scenario wherein the Duke of Cambridge decides to give up his throne but then realizes that he wants it back later on.

Eileen Wood, a real estate assistant, said that one of the drawbacks of being a member of the royal family, especially an heir to the throne, is that one cannot just make decisions on the future. Even though Prince William used to work as an air ambulance pilot, he knows very well that he will end up becoming king one day.

Wood also said that Prince William cannot just refuse the throne because this kind of decision requires the approval of the 53 Commonwealth nations, as well as the Parliaments of the United Kingdom.

Chrissie Nyssen said that it will all boil down to how the Instrument of Abdication is worded. In Edward VIII’s abdication document from 1936, it was stated that any issue of the King was excluded from the line. This means that even if Edward VIII had children, the succession of the throne will go to his younger brother and King George VI’s children.

“If William were to abdicate, his act might or might not exclude his children, it depends on how the Parliament chooses to structure it,” she said.

Jade Welch said that Prince William’s abdication will not really affect the future of his children. This means that even if he abdicates, Prince George may still be proclaimed as King as long as it is stated clearly in his abdication notice.

Jonathan Lawrence uploaded a photo of Edward VIII’s abdication letter, which states that hereby declared his irrevocable determination to renounce the throne for himself and for his descendants. He also said that he wanted his instrument of abdication to be granted immediately.