Tonight:
9°c
I don't want to be an ornament, says Prince William
Ben Bailey23.09.09
Prince William said today he did not want to be seen as a royal "ornament" and he is determined to improve on his parents' charitable work.
William said there was "always a good reason" to be seen shaking hands at various engagements but stressed he wanted to find his own way of doing things.
He was speaking at the launch of a charities forum aimed at helping groups collaborate on joint projects.
"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," he told the BBC.
In July, William climbed Helvellyn, England's third highest mountain, with a group of homeless people and said it was a challenge he enjoyed.
"I get an awful lot out of it when it works," he said. "Obviously you take a little bit of a gamble that sometimes it's not going to have the big effect you want but, even if it changes one person's view on something for the positive, then, as far as I'm concerned, it's a success."
William said he was "inspired" by the work of his parents - the Prince of Wales and the late Diana, Princess of Wales - and also the Queen.
"I've been trying to take the best bits of both of their charitable lives and trying to amalgamate them into making them even better," he said. "Without progression you're going nowhere.
"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."
William said 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. This is something that I think is different, worthwhile and, hopefully, of some benefit."
He added: "You could just turn up and open things - and don't get me wrong, there's always a good reason to do that - but it's about bringing some other things into it as well."
Reader views (7)
I suppose there has to be a balance in the world - those who want to use what they have to try and make a difference, and those who complain about those who try to make a difference even when they've nothing concrete to complain about.
Yin and Yang - I just never realized that these in turn meant 'worthy', and 'dumb' as well!
- Rogan, Irving
Well done William. Firstly, start by getting a proper job. Being a patron for a charity is something to be done in your spare time - not as a full time occupation. Secondly, could you please try to resurrect some sense of duty in your two uncles and encourage them to seek gainful employment. I do not regard flying to and from golf courses in private jets/helicopters at tax payers' expense to be in Britain's interests though I gather they are being paid handsomely out of the public purse to do so.
- R.F.York, Yorks, UK
Sadly, Robert, Essex, the "princes" fit exactly todays role models when it comes to heavy boozing and nightclubbing. I suspect you will be sorely disappointed.
- Fanfan La Tulipe, London
People just love to knock someone don't they.
The guy is trying to do more for people and is trying his best.
I say good on him...!
- Mark, St Albans
Unlike his girlfriend who appears to be happy being seen as one...
- Pootle, Twickenham
William will remain an ornament if all he does is attend a few meetings and is just a figurehead for the charities. To lose the ornament tag, he has to get involved in the enterprises. He has every chance to use his recent training in leadership and outdoor life to help in areas of young innercity and deprived rural area, youth deprivation.
There are so many adventure and outdoor activities that could make a difference to stifled or anti social young lives. British youth has a worldwide reputation of heavy boozing and nightclubbing. The footballers, pop and media idols lead the way in the lifestyle. There ARE no other kinds of role models for British youth. William and Harry need to not just be patrons of their charities behind closed doors who issue a few encouraging PR soundbites every once in a while. They need to get out there, become immersed in these projects and walk the walk. They have enormouse scope not only to help change the lives of individuals. They can help spearhead and navigate a social sea change for young people in Britain.
- Robert, Essex
Get a proper job, stop spounging off the rest of us and join the real world! Once the queen dies we, the people, should reclam the land, buildings, expensive cars etc etc and end the 'royal family'. Get a job, pay taxes and stop living off patronage that dates from the middle ages!
- Bobby Smith, london
