Prince William has officially commenced training alongside the Queen to learn the ropes for his future role as the King of England.
Prince William, 32, shadowed Her Majesty the Queen for a day as she undertook diplomatic meet-and-greets at the palace with several ambassadors around the world.
One day it will be William himself who will be playing host to such dignitaries, but for now he mainly stood back and watched as the Queen met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua, Her Excellency Ms Guisell Morales-Echaverry, and the Ambassador of Austria, His Excellency Dr Martin Eichtinger.
Why the royal baby will one day rule
Although the Prince’s appearance at the meeting is reportedly not an indication that he will start performing the role any time soon, the fact that he joined his grandmother is indicative that Her Majesty is beginning to hand over more responsibility to the next in line to the throne.
Early last year Prince Charles’s staff began to merge with staff at Buckingham palace, with his aide become the media chief for the entire Royal household. Charles is of course due to inherit the throne from the Queen with his eldest son William second in line to the throne.
William is counting down to the birth date of his second child with Duchess Catherine, who will overtake his younger brother Harry as fourth in line to the throne.
Duchess Catherine told well-wishers that the new bub is expected in “mid-to-end of April,” at a charity engagement this week.
Prince William stands back and observes as the Queen greets the Nicaraguan ambassador.
Cheeky Prince Harry welcomes baby news, will now be fifth in line to the throne
