The Prince of Wales is eyeing up a major change when it comes to his approach to the monarchy, according to his staff. Prince William's take on what modern monarchy should look like has long been hinted by those reportedly closest to him.

According to The Times, the heir to the throne wants to focus on "impact" and "scale" when it comes to his royal work, as sources claimed he plans to move away from "ribbon-cutting" events for a role that can be seen to "deliver practical benefits" instead. The outlet reported that despite various claims on William's "temper", those who have worked for him said that it is a far cry from reality.

William was described as "a stringent boss" who will send "dozens of weekend WhatsApps to staff" and is "laser-focused about what he wants to achieve".

He was also said to be "thoughtful" and "collaborative" and that his "sometimes tough approach is born of a zeal to get results".

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's former prime minister, told the outlet: "A question that gets asked when you’re in the public eye is: what are they like behind the scenes? What are they like in real life?

"And to the extent that I’m able to see Prince William in ‘real life’, I would say he’s exactly the same person. The areas that he’s interested in and that he works in, he’s very genuinely motivated by.

"[It’s] a very collaborative way of working. There is a humility there, which is an extraordinary thing when you’re born into a role of this nature."

Meanwhile, former cabinet minister William Hague, who worked with the Prince of Wales for more than a decade, said: "He’s not one for long meetings or going around the same thing again.

"I’ve often heard him say, ‘There’s been too much talk about that. We need to see some action.’ He is friendly to deal with and personable.

"[But] you really wouldn’t want to go and tell him, ‘We’ve got absolutely nowhere in stopping elephant ivory being sold.’ He wants to know that you’re getting results."