What should the princes do with their time?

Your thoughts on Prince William's charity work

Prince William has said he doesn't want to be an 'ornament' who just shows up at events and shakes people's hands.

He says he'd rather help people and organisations by doing things and wants to try to find his own way of carrying out his Royal duties, but is he right?

Do the Royal Family do enough? One day William might be King so what should he do while he's waiting?

And what about his brother Prince Harry? What should he do with his time and how should he act on engagements? Should they do more for charity or do you think they do enough already?

Unfortunately this topic is now closed but there are Comments pages on other subjects on the main Chat index.

Your comments

"I think the princes are like other normal people but just very, very well known. I think they should do something that they will remember, or do something to raise money for charity."

Hannah, 12, Dundee, Scotland

"Ahh bless! I think they should do charity like their kind mother Princess Diana."

Fatima, 11, Leicester, England

"I think Prince William should spend his time putting lots of time into his charity and work and spend his money on good things not just houses and parties etc."

Clemmie, 12, London, England

"I think he should work, it would be a good memory or something for him when he's King."

Bethany, 12, Newcastle, England

"They shouldn't have to do anything special, they should have fun, get a job they want and have a normal life. However, it is good that Prince William is doing charity work."

Ada, 11, London, England

"Why should the princes have to do anything special? After all, if you take away the crowns and royalty they are just normal people aren't they? Why can't they just do what they want to do like everyone else! People should stop being so stereotypical!"

Paige, 12, Norfolk, England

"I think they should do something a normal person should do, have fun!!!"

Hannah, 12, Dundee, Scotland

"Its so cool that they are doing charity work! They are actually seeing what is is like to be normal and they are not doing it for publicity, they are doing it for them! They obviously are doing what they want and I think it's great!!"

Laura, 12, Dundee, Scotland

"Surely an important figure such as a prince would inspire the general public to help charities too? It's a good idea."

Harry, 12, Guernsey, Channel Islands

"I think the princes should come to schools and do talks, to encourage people to be more like them by helping others and generally being a good role model."

Alice, 14, Edinburgh, Scotland

"I think Prince William should get involved more in sports and challenges like skiing or climbing the Himalayas."

Emaan, 9, Bradford, England

"I think that all royalty should get a week at being normal and should go to work/school etc... They should try to deal with money problems and all the other things that normal people have to do. They should try to be more involved with us and charity."

Emily, 12, Lancaster, England

"I think they should do loads of charity work and fundraising for others."

Charlotte, 11, Norwich, England

"Well of course it's okay! And it's a lot better than just donating money, actually going there and meeting the people shows how much he cares."

Hannah, 11, Edinburgh, Scotland

"I think it's right for them to support charities especially for William who's going to be king in a few years so he can become a great one."

Eleanor, 10, Cambridge, England

"I think that princes should do business like the credit crunch because they are doing nothing and everyone else is doing something."

Daniel, 10, Edinburgh, Scotland

"I think that Prince William should go to different schools and tell them what it feels like to be a Prince."

Nancy, 10, London, England

"I think the princes should relax in their spare time because it can be hard work being royalty."

Rebecca, 11, Lincolnshire, England

"They are very powerful figures, so I think it would be great if they helped charities nationally and internationally. They could raise loads of money and the country would like them more too."

Lizzy, 13, England

"It would be great to see them take an active part in the public's lives by helping with charity work and visiting needy communities."

Fran, 13, West Midlands, England

"I think the princes should do more for charity like their mother Diana, Princess of Wales. Also it will show the world that they're not spoilt young boys."

Amelia, 14, Somerset, England

"Prince William certainly has the right idea. He should use his power to help people. But I can't help but wonder if he really cares about other people or if he is just trying to look good."

Eleanor, 13, Hertfordshire, England

"Maybe they could read to the blind or spend their time in a old folks home!"

Eilidh, 9, Glasgow, Scotland

"I think it would be great for the Princes to help people and charities. Otherwise, they're not really very different to a normal person!"

Hannah, 13, Shropshire, England

"No I think they should sit around ordering tea and cake!"

Rubie, 11, UK

"I think its good if they do charity events and do something useful."

Jasmine, 13, UK

"The princes should do more for charity in my opinion!"

Shannon, 11, England

"I think Prince William should help out charities and the world. Many people who are living in poverty would love to know that a Prince is helping them."

Ellie, 13, Essex, England