The role that lies ahead for the Prince of Wales is one that few would envy, but he is thankfully surrounded by many supportive and experienced family members who will no doubt be there to do whatever they can to aid him.
While the strictures of the slimmed-down monarchy are by now very well-known, there have been times that the likely future of what the Royal Family could look like under Prince William's reign have been showcased with his close cousins joining him at engagements.
And while his two youngest cousins - Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, Earl of Wessex, 17, - are still in education, a leading expert has suggested that the pair could be on hand in the future, especially because of the influence their mother, and indeed the late Queen, have had on them.
Following the Duchess of Edinburgh's 60th birthday on 20 January, reports were made that William will give his aunt a key role in the future.
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