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King Charles reportedly told Prince William to savor spending time with his wife and children because he will be spending 'years and years' fulfiling his royal duties.
The United Kingdom and Commonwealth ruler, 75, was recently diagnosed with cancer after being treated for an enlarged prostate.
That has created some cause for concern within the Royal Family, especially for Prince William, who is next in line to ascend to the throne in the event of King Charles' demise.
And it may be that the Prince of Wales, 41, would have to take on the main duties earlier than expected if King Charles' health deteriorates. In which case, his father has reminded him of the importance of spending time with his family, according to author Ingrid Seward, who has written a book on the monarch's upbringing 'My Mother and I'.
"Charles always put duty first because that's what his mother did. And that's what [King Charles' first wife Princess] Diana decided she wouldn't do," Seward told HELLO! magazine.
"I think Charles has encouraged William to spend more time with the family and also said to William, 'I don't want you to take on any royal duties until you absolutely have to' because you we criticised William the work-shy?"
She added that this was Charles's way of saying 'You don't have to do this, be with your young family. Enjoy it while you can. You've got years and years and years of royal duties to do.'
Prince William has already stepped up
When his wife Kate Middleton was forced to undergo surgery to her abdomen in January, William had to step in and make arrangements for the family.
That meant canceling her duties and postponing his own commitments, as he looked after the couple's three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Kate has been recovering from the surgery and is not expected to return to royal duties until after Easter. It means William has been more busy than usual in taking care of their children, as well as ensuring his wife is as comfortable as possible.
And it seems to have worked well as she ed the family for a trip to Norfolk during half-term week in February, with the Princess said to be making good progress in her recovery.