I want to be more than an ornament!

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Britain's Prince William is seen through a laboratory window extracting DNA from a mosquito during a visit to officially open the Darwin Centre, at the Natural History Museum in central London / Reuters

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.

Hey Willy, get ya gear off and back on the mantle! Sheesh! Hate it when my ornaments escape! ;)

Sylvestor

www.twitter.com/Sylvestor