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Prince William criticised for 'doing almost nothing'

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-23 21:39

LONDON -- A well-respected Royal commentator has criticised Prince William for "doing almost nothing" in a documentary to be aired on Monday.

A well-respected Royal commentator has criticised Prince William, seen here in 2008, for "doing almost nothing". [Agencies]

James Whitaker is shown telling Channel 4's "Dispatches" that William, who is second-in-line to the throne, "really should be doing more".

William completed just 14 engagements in 2007, five of which were football or rugby matches. Prince Charles, carried out 84 appointments at William's age.

"I'm sorry, but as second in line of succession to the throne, he really should be doing more," Whitaker claimed.

A spokeswoman from St James's and Buckingham Palace, which represent the two princes, defended William, saying that the documentary was unbalanced and unfair.

"Prince William has been a full-time officer since 2005. During this time he has continued to carry out a number of public engagements and has also increased his charitable commitments," she said.

"We think the "Dispatches" documentary is an unbalanced and one-sided examination." Whitaker also criticised the Duke of York for using a helicopter to fly 70 miles for the opening of a bridge.