Prince William travelled to Kuwait earlier this week, a trip that was originally meant to be carried out by King Charles.

Questions began circulating as to why the heir to the throne stepped in for his father, although the real reason has now been revealed.

William, 41, took a last minute flight to Kuwait earlier this week to offer his condolences to the country’s new Emir, following the passing of 86-year-old Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

His trip was on behalf of King Charles, and has been deemed a rarity for royals at this time of the year.

Speaking on behalf of Slingo, former royal butler Grant Harrold said: “Now he is the Prince of Wales, he is next in line to the throne so he will be given more jobs and responsibilities to do but the King will still carry out duties he is required to do.”

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Speaking of the King, Mr Harrold added: “However, he is older than the late Queen was when she came to the throne and most people at his age have retired.

“So I have no doubt he is passing on more duties to the younger royals and it is like an apprenticeship, it’s to get him used to what is going to be expected of him in the coming years.”

Speaking on specifically why William went instead of the King, he added: “It’s a busy time of the year for the family, the King may have had other engagements going on, he has Sandringham to prepare for, so it could be as simple as that.

“It could also be to do with the pecking order, with royal deaths it depends on the seniority and they know that Prince William can do the job.”

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Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah passed away on December 16, and was buried the following day in Muslim tradition.

Although he travelled solo, without his wife Princess Kate, William was joined by Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah visited the UK three times this year.

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He attended the King and Queen Camilla’s Coronation back in May, as well as making a separate trip to meet with the King.

He also visited for a third time to meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

During William’s absence, Princess Kate was likely spending time with their children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – and getting them ready for Christmas.

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