London: Prince William, second in line to the UK's throne, has begun the groundwork for his main focus as the future king of England.
Prince William will soon be expected to scale up his royal duties as his father, Prince Charles, 66, begins helping out his ageing mother Queen Elizabeth II more actively in her royal duties.
In preparation for his future role, Prince William, 33, has asked his aides to help him establish how he can champion the cause of young people who suffer bullying or mental illness, 'The Sunday Times' reported.
The prince, who began work as an air ambulance helicopter pilot last month, will continue with his royal duties but believes he should focus on helping young people when he leaves the job in about two years' time.
"He has spent a lot of time over the past couple of years, away from the public eye, visiting young people who are struggling to cope.
"When he spends time with them, he finds that, partly based on his own experiences, he is able to connect deeply with them," the newspaper quoted a royal aide as saying.
William has expressed particular interest in helping those suffering from depression, breakdowns, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying, and is said to be concerned about the number of young gay men committing suicide.
It is thought he is also keen to help young people struggling with loss and grief.
The prince has asked The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, the charitable vehicle he shares with his wife and brother, to identify charities and campaigns that could benefit from his support.
His memory of losing his mother, Princess Diana, in a car crash in 1997, when he was 15, is understood to have influenced his decision.
