The recent reports claiming that Prince Charles believes becoming king will be a form of prison have been strongly denied by the Clarence House.

According to a report in Time magazine, quoting an unnamed official, Prince Charles is worried he will not achieve ambitions linked to his interests before “the prison shades” close.

The Prince of Wales is in no rush to become king because he fears being monarch will be a form of prison, according to one of his officials.

Clarence House has denied reports that the Prince of Wales believes becoming king will be a form of prison

Time spoke to 50 of the prince’s friends and associates.

It is not known whether the comment was made by a current or former member of royal staff.

A Clarence House spokesman said: “This is not the Prince of Wales’s view and should not be attributed to him as he did not say these words.

“The prince has dutifully supported the Queen all his life and his official duties and charitable work have always run in parallel.”