Amidst their most challenging personal crisis, they haven’t lost sight of the future. While Catherine, Princess of Wales, is slowing down due to her cancer treatment, she has still made a significant decision with Prince William behind the scenes, surprising many.
In times of weakness, they show immense strength and continue to push their most important projects forward: Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, is currently undergoing preventive chemotherapy but is gradually resuming royal duties from her desk. Decisions need to be made—not just by Prince William, 42. One decision, in particular, has caused a stir in the kingdom. The couple has added an interesting new member to their team.
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, Turn to a Hardliner
The British call him “Drastic Dave.” Sir David Lewis, 59, earned this nickname during his time as the head of the supermarket chain Tesco due to his efficient cost-cutting measures. The businessman is familiar with the royal family and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2021 for his services to the economy. The British government relied on him during the COVID-19 pandemic to secure the food supply chain.
In short, Lewis is the man for crisis times, and as of this week, he is the Director of the Royal Foundation, overseen by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Their foundation supports projects worldwide in conservation, disaster relief, and mental health, including Kate’s early childhood initiatives and William’s Earthshot environmental prize.
A palace source described the Waleses’ decision as “brilliant” to the Daily Mail. It was seen as a sign that the two royals are laying a “strong foundation” for their future philanthropic work.
Sir David Lewis is Known as a Hardliner
Lewis spent 27 years at the British company Unilever, a consumer goods manufacturer, and even became the company president. During this time, he earned his notorious reputation for making tough decisions and implementing significant cost-saving measures.
In 2014, Tesco appointed him CEO. The supermarket chain was facing enormous challenges, having recorded huge losses and the lowest sales in 20 years. Additionally, the company was dealing with an accounting scandal where profits had been overstated, leading to a stock price crash.
It was a monumental task for Lewis, who, over the next six years, did not shy away from cutting parts of the company, eliminating countless jobs, and reducing discounts and product lines. These drastic measures had a significant impact: According to the Daily Mail, the company reported an annual profit of £162 million (about €191 million) just two years into Lewis’s tenure. One aspect that likely appealed to Kate and William was Lewis’s effort to enhance the company’s social responsibility.
Two Arguments that Convinced Prince William
After stepping down, Lewis initially planned to take “a proper break with my family.” He lives in Surrey with his second wife and has two daughters from his first marriage. At the time, he said he wanted to “recharge his batteries,” stating, “You only walk this path once.”
However, he did not remain idle. Sir David became involved in a renewable energy start-up—a further point that likely recommended him as a valuable team leader for the Royal Foundation, particularly to Prince William. Additionally, he is the director of the World Wildlife Fund—another strong asset likely to please the future king.
Last September, William and Kate began searching for a suitable new director for their Royal Foundation. William hoped for a “revolutionary” restructuring, and his wish might now be coming true.
