WILLS REFUSES TO BE A ROYAL ‘ORNAMENT’

In an echo of his father’s struggle to carve out a role for himself at the same age, the second in line to the throne said he wanted to improve on his parents’ charity work.

He said: “There’s a time and place for being an ornament as such, or shaking hands and being at an engagement and showing support in that way but I think there’s an awful lot more from actually doing stuff.” William, 27, has set out his three main aims as helping disadvantaged young people, highlighting sustainable development to combat climate change and supporting British troops .

He said he was inspired by the work of the Queen and his parents. “I’ve been trying to take the best bits of both of their charitable lives and trying to amalgamate them ,” he said. “My grandmother inspires me, obviously. Her work and her duty and the dedication she has given to herself and to the country has been very inspiring. I think she has done a fantastic job and I look up to what she does.”

The Prince, who set up the Princes’ Charities Forum with his brother Harry to help their favourite causes exchange ideas and resources , told the BBC he was determined to handle royal duties in his own style.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a third way,” he said. “I think it’s just trying to find your own way,” he said.