Prince William revealed that future role as king was not at the top of his “priority list”

The Duke of Cambridge previously made this poignant confession

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrives at the RNLI lifeboat station on Mumbles Pier on February 4, 2020 in Swansea, Wales
(Image credit: Photo by Polly Thomas/Getty Images)

Prince William previously disclosed that his future role as King is “not at the top of [his] priority list”. 

The Duke of Cambridge is currently second in line to the throne after his father the Prince of Wales. His future role as king has likely never been far from his mind as his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, prepared him for this position.

However, in an interview with the BBC’s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell back in 2016, Prince William has previously admitted that despite this, his role as the future king is something that is “not at the top of [his] priority list to think about”. 

He remarked that it's something he considers “just quietly” when he gets "a few minutes".

Speaking of the heartbreaking implications of him ascending to the throne, Prince William revealed: “I certainly don’t lie awake at night waiting or hoping for it because it sadly means my family has moved on and I don’t want that.”

Though the Duke of Cambridge did remark that royal duty is “extremely important” and that he takes his responsibilities “very seriously”.

How has the Queen inspired Prince William?

In the interview, Prince William also spoke of how his grandmother the Queen’s duty, service, tolerance, and commitment to others have been “incredibly important” to him and acted as a “guiding example of just what a good monarch can be”.

“It’s been incredibly insightful for me growing up, watching her leadership in that role,” the Duke continued.

“It’s important to grow into a particular role with the right characteristics and the right qualities and I think she’s exemplified that with everything she’s done”. 

When asked about whether the Queen had made a point of instructing him as a future king about the art of monarchy, Prince William revealed that the 94-year-old monarch hadn't. Instead, he said, she believes in “finding your own path”, but with “very good examples and guidance around you to support you”.

The Queen surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria in 2015 to become Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

This year will see the Queen celebrate her 95th birthday, with plans reportedly being made for a special celebration in June.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!