Queen 'to hand over public duties to Prince William'

London, December 13 (ANI): Queen Elizabeth II will hand over significant public duties to her grandson Prince William as part of preparations for the day when he becomes king, according to reports.

The British monarch was said to be grooming the second in line to the throne as a "shadow king", fuelling speculation that the crown could skip a generation and passed over in favour of William.

According to the Mail, confidential government papers suggest plans to take some burden off the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were at an advanced level, reports The Independent.

The documents, inked by Treasury officials, apparently said Prince William "will spend a significant part of his time on official engagements" from next year.

They also added the 27-year-old and his younger brother, Harry, "will increasingly incur expenditure when undertaking engagements on behalf of the Queen". (ANI)