CHARLES TELLS THE QUEEN ‘I'M NOT READY TO RULE'

Despite having known his destiny his entire life, the prince has his reservations

Prince Charles has been preparing for more than seven decades to take his place on the throne – and now that moment is imminent, Charles has confessed he is far from ready.

In an intimate mother-son exchange last month, shortly after the Queen’s return from hospital, sources say Charles, 73, confided his fears to his 95-year-old mother, even going so far as to suggest passing the crown on to his son, Prince William.

“It was an incredibly raw exchange,” says a palace insider. “Having Ma’am in hospital triggers all kinds of protocol in the event of her passing – and Charles was affected by it. His time at the climate summit reaffirmed what he really wants to do – activism.”

WILLIAM FOR KING

There’s no doubt the younger and arguably more popular, William, 39, is more than capable of stepping into the role of king.