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`It's my duty,' heir to the UK throne says

PHOTO: REUTERSN

Prince William believes he was born to be king, takes his royal duties seriously and views his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, as an inspirational role model.

In the latest of a series of interviews to mark his 21st birthday, William crushed newspaper speculation that he does not want to be crowned.

"All these questions about `do you want to be king?' It's not a question of wanting to be, it's something I was born into and it's my duty," the young prince, who is second in line to the throne, told the British news agency, Press Association, in an interview released yesterday.

"But those stories about me not wanting to be king are all wrong. It's a very important role and it's one that I don't take lightly."

In the weeks building up to his birthday, newspapers had speculated that "Wills" -- as he is known to family and friends -- would shun his royal duties and intended to move to New York on graduation.

William, who marked his coming of age on Saturday with an African-themed fancy dress party at Windsor Castle, is viewed as the modern face of British royalty -- a sporty young man who dresses casually in jeans, shops and cooks for himself at university and enjoys a pint of cider with friends.

"All these questions about `do you want to be king?' It's not a question of wanting to be, it's something I was born into and it's my duty."

Prince William

He has opted not to use the title His Royal Highness as "I don't want all the formalities because they're not needed for the time being."

But he revealed his admiration for the queen and the virtues he hopes to emulate and bring to the role of monarch.

"It's all about helping people and dedication and loyalty which I hope I have, I know I have," said William, who posed for the renowned fashion photographer Mario Testino to mark his birthday.

"I think particularly nowadays the monarchy plays a very important role. You only have to look at my grandmother and see the amazing things she's done," he said.

"That to me is a huge inspiration. The monarchy is something that needs to be there, I just feel it's very, very important. It's a form of stability and I hope to be able to continue that."

In recent years, the Windsor family has proved itself responsive to the demands of modern society. Following a bout of public criticism about the cost of the monarchy, the queen agreed in 1993 to pay taxes and has cut back expenses.

William, who is studying for a degree in art history at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, praised his grandmother's abilities as queen.

"She's been put in some really difficult positions and yet she handles it very well," he said.

Since the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, William and his brother Harry have been insulated from intense press coverage. Editors have grudgingly agreed to respect their privacy, in return for official photo calls and interviews on key occasions.

William said the deal worked well and hoped it would continue.
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