Prince William has reportedly been preparing to take his place as the next heir to the British throne.

New Idea reports that the Duke of Cambridge has been rumored to attend secret meetings in preparation of the moment his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, dies and he replaces his father, Prince Charles, as the first-in-line to the throne.

The Queen has been ruling for more than 60 years, longer than all the other Monarchs in British history. She has become well-loved and respected by the people under her reign and by those who admire her sense of duty and devotion to a life of service.

However, we have to face the sad and foreboding truth that the 93-year-old lady will likely pass one day. The Prince of Wales, being the longest serving heir apparent, will then have to take her place and become the new King.

In line with this, Prince Williams will have to take on a new role as the next heir to the British throne. Tied up with the latter's responsibility will be the inheritance of Prince Charles' $1.8 billion Duchy of Cornwall estate.

Prince William has already been preparing to take the obligation, as evidenced by the Court Circular released on September 12, saying: "The Duke of Cambridge this morning attended a Duchy of Cornwall Meeting at 10 Buckingham Gate, London SW1."

Prince Williams has already attended three of such meetings in this year alone, showing his preparation for the day both he and his father would take on their respective new roles.

Preparing for the Future

The Duke of Cambridge has been second-in-line to the throne for his entire life, and this burden of responsibility has given him an immense amount of pressure from an early age.

He was fortunately granted a media blackout while studying at the University of St. Andrews, allowing him a relatively normal life as a student. He also asked not to be given any special treatment when he started working as a pilot.

His royal duties have increased by the time he became a full-time royal, but regardless of his responsibilities, he still managed to "prioritize his family over and above the Firm."

Living Under Pressure

In the ITV documentary "Our Queen at Ninety," the Prince paid tribute to Her Majesty and the stability she brought in the Royal Family.

"Growing up, having this figurehead, having this stability above me has been incredible. I have been able to explore, understand, slightly carve my own path. I greatly appreciate and value that protection," Prince William said.

In another ITV documentary "Prince William at Thirty" uploaded in 2012, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond shared how the late Princess Diana viewed Prince William.

"Diana told me that from a young age, he felt the burden of kingship on his shoulders and he found that to be a very heavy burden to bear. But she thought he had the makings of a great king," Bond said.

Prince William is undoubtedly preparing his whole life for his royal duty, and it's clear he is already making sure he's ready.

Tags: Prince William Queen Elizabeth II