I want to be more than an ornament: prince william

AAPThe West Australian Prince William says he wants to be more than a royal "ornament" by being proactive in his charity work. The second in line to the throne has told the BBC in

a rare interview how he and younger brother Harry have been inspired by their parents and the Queen to become involved with various charities. The Prince said while he was "not in their

league" and still "warming up", he felt he could make more of a difference by becoming involved with charities, compared with just attending opening ceremonies.

"There's a time and a place for being an ornament, as such," he said. "Or you know, 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. "And this is an example of what I just want to be, actually more involved in." Prince William and Prince Harry, who

are both pursuing military careers, have set up The Princes' Charities Forum, a group made up of about 20 charities the brothers have close links with. The forum meets twice a year and

aims to help the different charities exchange ideas and resources. The royal brothers also plan to set up a charitable foundation which will hand out grants to organisations they support.

Julia Samuel, founder patron of the Child Bereavement Charity and a friend of the Princes' mother, said Princess Diana would be proud of her sons. "She had that extraordinary

ability to communicate just with the way she looked at someone," Ms Samuel said. "But also with the way that she listened, and she listened with all her being. "I think they

have that gift too. She'd be really proud, I think." GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM THEWEST.COM.AU IN YOUR INBOX. Sign up for our emails