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

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

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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.