On Friday, royal author Robert Hardman told the BBC’s Today programme the prince’s admission was part of a greater sense of the royal family “resetting the dial” on their public image.

He also referenced the recent documentaries the Prince of Wales and the Queen have participated in, saying the monarchy had had “an extraordinary year”.

“It’s been a hell of a year – there he (William) is on the one hand helping his wife through a very serious illness, and he’s also expected to stand in for his father who is suffering from cancer,” Mr Hardman, author of recently-released Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, added.

“He’s been holding the fort throughout all this”.

The Prince of Wales has been in South Africa for his Earthshot prize awards ceremony.

On Wednesday night, five projects each won £1m in prize money for their environmental innovations.

He was also asked about the role of Prince of Wales and whether he liked the freedom and responsibility that came with it.

“It’s a tricky one. Do I like more responsibility? No,” he said.

“Do I like the freedom that I can build something like Earthshot then yes.

“And that’s the future for me. It’s very important with my role and my platform, that I’m doing something for good.

“That I’m helping people’s lives and I’m doing something that is genuinely meaningful.”

The prince has been sporting a beard since the summer and it has divided opinion even amongst those closest to him including his daughter Princess Charlotte.

“Well Charlotte didn’t like it the first time. I got floods of tears, so I had to shave it off. And then I grew it back. I thought, hang on a second, and I convinced her it was going to be okay.”

And on his general feelings about combining his role as a future king, husband and father, there was a sense that he had found the right mix of official duty and private time.

“I enjoy my work and I enjoy pacing myself and keeping sure that I have got time for my family too.”