Prince William sees himself in 'new role' as he 'edges towards top job', experts claim

Prince William reportedly sees himself in a "new role" as he edges towards his future as the next King following a successful trip to South Africa.

The heir to the throne has been undertaking duties on a four-day trip Cape Town where he has been promoting his Earthshot prize.

According to Daily Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers, this visit has seen the heir to the throne emerge into a different role, specifically that as a statesman, as he balanced visiting politicians with interacting with young people.

Speaking on the Pod Save The King podcast, Russell said William was “almost emerging into a different role” and that alongside playing rugby with young people he had been “mixing with the entrepreneurs.

Russell added: “Interestingly we saw him meeting President Sil Ramafosa and that gives you an indication I think of how William sees himself as this statesman. It’s definitely a new role for him as Prince of Wales.

“He’s edging towards the top job no doubt he’s not waiting in the wings to take over the top job as it were but I definitely think there is room for William to be aligned with ‘Brand Britain’.”

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During the course of his trip to the region, he has opened up about his tough 2024 which has seen both his wife Princess Kate and his father King Charles receive cancer diagnoses.

Just how open the heir to the throne has been has surprised commentators alike.

Russell’s guest on the podcast photographer Ian Vogler, remarked: “It’s probably the most honest and open interview we’ve ever had from a Prince of Wales as we know him now. I don’t recall him ever being this honest and open.”

In a series of comments made to British media, Prince William said this year had been “brutal” and “incredibly tough”.

He explained: “I'm so proud of my wife, I'm proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it's been, yeah, it's been brutal.”

William’s comments have been reflected by a statement made by Princess Kate who has recently completed her course of chemotherapy.

She said: “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.

“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved."