William wants to be 'more than ornament'

(AAP) - Prince William says he wants to be more than a royal "ornament" by being proactive in his charity work.

The second in line to the throne has told the BBC in a rare interview how he and
younger brother Harry have been inspired by their parents and the Queen to become
involved with various charities.
William said while he was "not in their league" and still "warming up", he felt he
could make more of a difference by becoming involved with charities, compared with
just attending opening ceremonies.
"There's a time and a place for being an ornament, as such," he said.
"Or you know, shaking hands and being at an engagement and showing support in that way.
"But I think there's an awful lot more from actually doing stuff.
"And this is an example of what I just want to be, actually more involved in."
William and Harry, who are both pursuing military careers, have set up The Princes'
Charities Forum, a group made up of about 20 charities the brothers have close links
with.
The forum meets twice a year and aims to help the different charities exchange ideas
and resources.
The royal brothers also plan to set up a charitable foundation which will hand out
grants to organisations they support.
Julia Samuel, founder patron of the Child Bereavement Charity and a friend of the
princes' mother, said Princess Diana would be proud of her sons.
"She had that extraordinary ability to communicate just with the way she looked at
someone," Ms Samuel said.
"But also with the way that she listened, and she listened with all her being.
"I think they have that gift too. She'd be really proud, I think."