London - Britain's Prince William has said he will not undermine the role of his father Prince Charles as heir to the throne, the Sunday Telegraph reported. The 27-year-old prince, who is second in line to the throne, wants to spend the coming years focusing on his military career, a spokesman for St James's Palace told the newspaper.
"Prince William will not be a 'shadow king' the possibility is not even being considered," his spokesman was quoted as saying by the Telegraph.
"Over the next few years, Prince William will be concentrating primarily on a military career," he added. The Prince would also increase his involvement with charities slightly.
The palace was reacting to a media report based on a leaked palace document last month that Queen Elizabeth II wanted her grandson to be groomed as a "shadow king" alongside his father.
The report sparked speculation, in the international media especially, despite denials from the palace, that William would bypass his father in the succession even though it would require a having to overcome obstacles to amending the constitution.
