I think it's very much a universal problem within monarchies.
Especially after a period. Because those who stay on are either in full agreement with how things are run - with the result that the reign begins to stagnate.
Others simply say yes, and do as they are told. Either because they don't want to lose their good (and often high status and very secure) job or - and that's problematic - the monarch is a poor leader, who doesn't listen.
Also after a while those who disagree with the policy of the new monarch either leave or are quietly sidelined.
So the solution is a combination:
A strong chief of staff, who can ensure that the monarch gets genuine sound advise, including being discouraged. While at the same time maintain a dynamic court, who work together as a team. And who is also strong enough to ensure that the court doesn't evolve into various fractions each trying to influence the monarch.
A monarch who is ready to listen, but also willing to take charge when needed. So a course in business management would perhaps be a good idea, now that not all heirs are expected to become serving officers and in that way get a leadership education and experience.
And an heir, who is both respected and willing to respect how things are run and who will gradually become more and more influential. So that the transition to the next reign becomes more fluent.
And then there is the joker, the consort.
The consort is the most important sparring partner for the monarch, the unofficial personal advisor, the most important team-player and the one who can show an alternative way of doing things - which sometimes turns out to be very beneficial. It's the case of the outsider coming into an institution with fresh eyes and a different approach to how thing can be done.
- In the ideal world, that is...
Because in DK Prince Henrik had quite a few clashes with the staff. Who, according to PH, ignored him and didn't respect him. The real reason was no doubt more complex. After all QMII was and is the boss. PH did not have a Constitutional role and PH's role and position was not clear..
He ended up pretty much being in control of the household and the protocol issues.
Thanks. The interesting thing is that two things apparently did not work.
Situation 1
Before Queen Beatrix the Household used to be a
clique of blue-blooded us-knows-us, being a
Kamerheer, or a
Dame-du-Palais, or a
Grootmeester for almost a lifetime, not seldom simply serving as long (or longer) as the King's or Queen's own reign.
During crises at the palace then Princess Beatrix noted byzantine machinations and - for an example- a "Juliana camp" and a "Bernhard camp" obstructing each other.
Situation 2
Queen Beatrix wanted to end the traditional clique of functionaries more chosen because they come from loyal noble and patrician families than because they are professionals. She ordered the Royal Household Agency to be instructed in detailed handbooks, protocols and processes, all ISO certified and standardised.
To prevent "cliques" the Court would only use officials from ministerial departments, the diplomatic service and the armed forces for a limited period (three years or so). Almost always such a top job at the Court is an excellent jump-start for becoming an Ambassador in a prestigious capital.
Unwanted effect of situation 1
A court clique of blue-blooded
us-knows-us so intertwined with the Royal House that they simply lack the distance to be honest and being critical and step on the brakes.
Unwanted effect of situation 2
The highly skilled, experienced and well-paid officials are detached into the Royal Household for a limited period. Some three years. Exactly to prevent an
us-knows-us atmosphere. However they all know this is the best possible jump-start for becoming an Ambassadeur in Paris, Berlin or Washington and this also effects that they become uncritical "yes-sayers".
It seems very difficult to organize a Household so that a King, whom of course sits on that position for three, four decades, gets honest feedback, even when a King seems an accessible person for it, like Willem-Alexander