How William can live up to his father's wish for him to champion the marginalised

Yesterday marked the second anniversary of Elizabeth II's death and the King's accession to the throne. In his first televised address to the nation as Charles III, he thanked his “darling Mama” for her love and devotion, quoted Shakespeare – “May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest” – and assumed her mantle of a lifelong commitment to public service.

- CATHERINE PEPINSTER

The King then paid tribute to his wife, Camilla, for “her loving help” and “steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much”.

What is less keenly remembered is that he also used the occasion to pass a very particular baton to William and his wife, Catherine. The new King explained that he could not devote as much time and energy to his previous causes – his passion projects – “but I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others”. And then Charles added: “With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”

So, two years on from William taking on this mantle of being there for the marginalised, how is he getting on? First, it is good to remember how the idea that the heir to the throne should focus on the marginal seems radical – although, looking back, one can now see that it was Charles’s intention throughout his service as Prince of Wales.