Why Prince William believes his greatest duty is training Prince George to be a good king: In the final extract from his book, ROBERT HARDMAN's intriguing portrait of our next monarch

King Charles dislikes being labeled a caretaker until his heir, Prince William, takes over. Commentators' claims about him being a mere caretaker irk him.

Princess Anne highlights the importance of starting later in life, stating that King Charles has more experience and opinions to draw upon, challenging the notion that he is merely a caretaker.

Annabel Elliot, the Queen's sister, echoes Princess Anne's sentiments, stating that she does not see King Charles as a caretaker. She anticipates several changes under his reign, emphasizing that there has been a careful change of gear but no noisy rebranding.

Both King Charles and Prince William will bring about changes according to their own tastes and personalities. It highlights a distinction in their approaches, particularly in how they engage with experts and intellectual company.

King Charles is portrayed as someone who likes to assemble panels of experts, while Prince William, described as a serious and pragmatic individual, prefers meeting brilliant scientists rather than academics. This points to differences in their decision-making styles.

Prince William is characterized as a serious and pragmatic person who does not enjoy making lots of speeches. The text contrasts this with King Charles, who is mentioned to have liked amateur dramatics in his youth, suggesting a difference in their inclination toward showmanship.

King Charles is characterized as someone who is willing to wade into big social issues of the day through provocative speeches, forewords to books, and discussions with ministers. In contrast, Prince William, now in his 40s, is described as steering a more conventional and cautious path.

Now in his 40s, Prince William has steered a more conventional and cautious path

Prince William is likened to George VI in terms of being earnest and dutiful. This suggests that Prince William's approach to his role is seen as more traditional and less inclined towards provocative or ideological positions.

A senior advisor describes Prince William as "one of the least ideological people" they have met. This implies that Prince William may prioritize a pragmatic and practical approach over adherence to specific ideologies.

Prince William is said to get most of his news from online sources like the BBC website and briefings from staff. This contrasts with his father, who may engage with a larger volume of physical documents.

Prince William is not depicted as sharing his father's fondness for accumulating new homes. The King's property acquisitions, including farmhouses in Wales and Romania, and Dumfries House in Scotland, are viewed with trepidation among Prince William's team.

Prince William, makes three early decisions that diverge from his father's approach. He chooses not to spend months at university learning Welsh, opts not to buy a home in Wales, and expresses no wish for a grand formal investiture like the one arranged for King Charles in 1969.

Princess Anne recalls the aftermath of King Charles' investiture at Caernarfon, mentioning that he needed time to recover and they were sent off to Malta.

Princess Anne recalls that King Charles was so exhausted from constant walkabouts that he began doing them in his sleep, waking up and trying to speak to people. This emphasizes the demanding nature of royal duties.

The Welsh and UK governments have not expressed any desire to hold events similar to King Charles' investiture, and this is reportedly a relief for the current Prince of Wales.

Prince William, despite owning a Welsh farm through the Duchy of Cornwall, does not intend to use it personally. Instead, it will be made into a permanent rental property.

Prince William is depicted as less inclined toward reading for pleasure. Instead, he is described as a "box-set guy," indicating a preference for television series over traditional literature. His favorite genres include superhero movies, particularly those featuring Deadpool and Batman.

Prince William and Princess Kate will not be watching the Netflix royal drama, The Crown. While the Prince reportedly rolls his eyes at the idea that it's just drama, he refrains from publicly complaining about it to avoid being seen as a constant complainer.

The passage suggests that what may define Prince William as a "change-maker" is not necessarily the actions he takes but the things he chooses not to do. This implies that his approach to his role may involve refraining from certain activities or behaviors.

Prince William is described as being "very nervous" about being perceived as presuming he is the future head of the Commonwealth. This suggests a sensitivity to public perception and a cautious approach to the potential role.

Prince William does not favor the idea of being a "co-head" of the Commonwealth, especially with a politician. This indicates a clear preference for a more traditional role and a level of independence.

Prince William is portrayed as less spiritual than his father, King Charles, and is not as devoted to the Anglican church as the late Queen. The senior Palace figure notes that while the Prince respects institutions, he is not instinctively comfortable in a faith environment and does not attend church every Sunday.

Prince William's private thoughts about his future coronation suggest that he may prefer a more discreet and less spiritually oriented ceremony compared to his father's. He envisions a shorter ceremony, ideally lasting around an hour and ten minutes, and may consider dispensing with some regalia.

The passage highlights what Prince William regards as his paramount duty—raising and training the heir, who will become the next King. This duty is considered by him to be one of the most important aspects of his role as Prince of Wales.

It is mentioned that Prince George will not be expected to undertake any royal duties until he is well into his 20s, indicating a focus on allowing him a more gradual entry into official responsibilities.

Prince William has what he regards as one paramount duty. It is one which some of his predecessors virtually ignored: training the heir, his son, Prince George

The heir to the throne, Prince William, pictured with his son who is second-in-line, Prince George, in 2017

Prince George will not be expected to undertake any royal duties until he is well into his 20s

Prince William holds his eldest child, Prince George after the Princess of Wales gave birth to Princess Charlotte in 2015

The relationship between King Charles and Prince William is portrayed as strengthened by the challenges of their new roles and external pressures, including periodic broadsides from California.

As Prince William becomes more involved in the management of the Duchy of Cornwall and royal estates, he reportedly develops a greater appreciation for his father's dedication and achievements. The King finds it easier to discuss these matters with his son than he did with his late father, Prince Philip.

When it comes to leisure, the King has inherited his late father's love of reading

The passage notes that Prince William is said to have been be closer to the late Prince Philip than to his father on farming issues. While Prince Philip tended to treat his sons as if they were in "short trousers," Prince William is depicted as having a closer relationship with him, especially regarding farming matters.

Both King Charles and Prince William are mentioned to have strong admiration for each other's achievements, particularly in keeping the environment at the forefront. However, they differ on the merits of organic farming. The King is portrayed as a purist, while Prince William is more agnostic, considering the challenges faced by farmers in achieving organic status.

King Charles is described as a huge fan of his daughter-in-law, Catherine. He appreciates her efforts not only in carrying out royal duties but also in raising his grandchildren.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are pictured with their two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte in a family snap taken in December 2015

The passage suggests that King Charles is content to leave the length of his reign to genetics and the Almighty, expressing confidence in a stable and non-transitional monarchy as long as he has Queen Camilla at his side.

King Charles is pictured with heir to the throne, the Prince of Wales and the second-in-line, Prince George 

The Wales family, the Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, the Prince of Wales and Prince Louis at Sandringham on Christmas Day last year 

The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) acknowledges that while she and King Charles don't always agree, they both understand what is important about the monarchy. She emphasizes the importance of the team pulling together to make it work.

The key players for the Coronation are gathered in the Buckingham Palace ballroom a few days before the event. A stage has been set up to mirror the layout at Westminster Abbey.

Justin Welby slowly lowers the crown onto the head of the King. Except he is not entirely sure of his first attempt. Pictured: The actual Coronation ceremony last year

The Archbishop of Canterbury is rehearsing the moment of crowning the Queen but faces a tense situation as he needs a signal of approval from the King. The Queen intervenes with humor, expressing her happiness and dismissing the need for a formal nod.

After being crowned and anointed, the Queen looks palpably relieved. The most hazardous part of the ceremony is over

The atmosphere is likened to a school play, with many participants having experience in drama. Princess Anne reflects on the value of drama training in building confidence, learning lines, and ensuring the success of rehearsals.

Some participants describe the Coronation preparations as more like a pantomime due to the presence of numerous bishops and the complexity of the choreography.

Annabel Elliot, one of Queen Camilla's companions for the Coronation, faces a personal challenge as she is learning her moves while dealing with the recent death of her husband, Simon, just a day before.

The passage notes the impressive nature of Annabel Elliot's involvement in the Coronation preparations, particularly given the emotional context of the Elliots' wedding anniversary and Simon's recent burial.

Queen Camilla's main anxiety is about her own anointing. The prospect of having a heavy crown placed on her immaculate hairstyle and oil smeared on her face is described as challenging.

The Archbishop reassures Queen Camilla about the anointing, emphasizing that it will be a minimal amount. He imitates the short sign of the cross he will make on her forehead during the anointing.

The anointing of the Queen is described as a slightly nerve-racking moment for the King. Before she is crowned, he must nod his approval, but there is a concern about the crown toppling forwards if he lowers his head.

The Archbishop suggests an alternative to nodding for the King, asking him to give a look that indicates approval.

Rehearsals move to Westminster Abbey six days before the Coronation, with the Prince and Princess of Wales arriving with all the children.

The Archbishop offers advice to Prince William, suggesting that if he ever feels lost, he should look confident, bow, and that will carry him through everything.

According to one who has heard Prince William's private thoughts about it, he thought King Charles' Coronation 'was brilliant, but he is less instinctively spiritual than his father so he would want something a bit more discreet'

The occasion at Westminster Abbey feels less formal as grandchildren come up for a kiss on the cheek, creating a more family-oriented atmosphere. The rehearsal is likened to a family wedding.

The Prince of Wales kneels before his father for the first time, recites his oath of loyalty, and then leans forward to give the King a kiss. In a playful moment, he tickles the King under the chin.

The passage references a less successful rehearsal when an old friend of the Queen, Sarah Keswick, stepped in to take her place.

The passage recalls a humorous incident during the rehearsal when Sarah Keswick stood in as the Archbishop to crown Queen Camilla, and the oversized crown slipped down to her shoulders, creating a funny moment that left everyone in hysterics.

On Coronation day, it is mentioned that it's the first time the King sees Queen Camilla in her full Coronation gown. His face lights up with pride, and he is visibly impressed.

It is the first time the King has seen Queen Camilla in her full Coronation gown. 'When he saw her – you could see his face lit up. He was very proud of her,' Annabel recalls

Annabel, Queen Camilla's sister, describes watching her sister step into the carriage as an emotional moment. She feels that Queen Camilla looks vulnerable and acknowledges the nerves beneath the surface, despite the Queen's attempts to downplay them.

In contrast to Queen Camilla's nervousness, the King maintains a calm demeanor, described as almost transcendental, as if the Coronation is just another day at the office for him.

Annabel expresses surreal and unbelievable feelings as she reflects on the journey from watching the 1953 Coronation on a small black and white television to witnessing her sister become Queen 70 years later.

The passage describes the Archbishop, Justin Welby, slowly lowering the crown onto the King's head during the actual Coronation. Although the process is not described as elegant, the moment is deemed significant, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility.

The Princess Royal later reflects on the crowning moment as the one that makes the difference, signifying the passing on of responsibility.

Following the crowning and anointing, the Queen is described as looking palpably relieved. Annabel recalls that at the beginning of the service, the Queen seemed nervous, but as it progressed, she became stronger. By the end, she was perceived as flying, indicating a positive transformation.

After the ceremony, the royal couple retires to the makeshift changing room in St Edward's Chapel, where the robes and crowns are prepared for departure.

In the vestry, the atmosphere turns celebratory, resembling a party that lasts for about 15 minutes. Annabel mentions that it felt like a wedding, and there are light-hearted exchanges about who wears which crown for the final procession.

For an old friend of Queen Camilla, the day is intensely emotional. The friend reflects on the challenging times when Queen Camilla faced criticism in the press and expresses that the Coronation feels like proper closure, bringing a sense of fulfillment.

The procession moves slowly to the other end of the abbey, where the King teases the Archbishop about nearly forgetting to seek his approval before crowning the Queen. This moment is characterized by a light-hearted exchange and joking.

The Gold State Coach brings the King and Queen back to the palace, and there is an air of celebration. Annabel Elliot describes the atmosphere as everyone feeling a sense of relief and celebration, with a figurative expression of "Phew, take your shoes off."