Inside Prince William's mindset as he secretly 'dreads' becoming King

Prince William is reportedly battling nerves as he gets closer to the throne of the United Kingdom.

"It's constant work, stress and the job no one really wants," a source close to the Prince of Wales told Radar Online.

"He respects his father and understands the duty — but the truth is, he dreads the weight of the crown, as the old saying goes," the tipster shared.

William, who shares kids Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, with wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, yearns for a quiet life beyond the duties of being king.

According to the publication, William’s lack of zeal for royal duties, particularly overseas visits, has been noticed and is being questioned.

A source said his "desire for the quiet life above the duties of being king," has come under scrutiny inside the palace.

William and Kate worked less than King Charles and Princess Anne even before Kate’s cancer diagnosis last year.

"William's been trying to redefine what public service looks like," the mole said. "But the more old-school Palace staff feel he sometimes picks and chooses when to show up — and that causes friction."

William seems keen to make international visits for causes close to his heart, such as the Earthshot Prize in South Africa and the UEFA European Championship in Germany, but reports claim he rejects offers of other visits.

His last such visit came when he had to represent the King at the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome in May.

"Charles was clear," a Palace source shared. "This wasn't optional. William had to represent the Crown, even if he didn't feel up to it."

A friend of the Prince noted that he "values his family time more than anything," adding that, "He's not chasing power. If anything, he's trying to delay it for as long as possible."

"But he knows the public expects him to lead. He's not running away – but that's a long way from him actually wanting it," they added of Prince William’s feelings about becoming King of the United Kingdom.