Prince William clashed with Charles over whether Buckingham Palace ivory should be ‘destroyed’
- Prince William may order Buckingham Palace to rid itself of ivory when he is king
- He once told zoologist Dr Jane Goodall he’d like to see ALL royal ivory destroyed
- Robert Jobson spent 18 months with Prince Charles, and reveals family tensions
The Prince of Wales, as a single father, has done his best to avoid confrontation with his boys during their development, though sometimes he feels duty-bound to wade in.
One such occasion took place after William told zoologist Dr Jane Goodall that he’d ‘like to see all the ivory owned by Buckingham Palace destroyed’.
During a ‘frank exchange of views’ five years ago — according to an informed source — Charles told William he was being ‘naïve’ and he should have chosen his words more carefully.
William, the Duke of Cambridge, above, was granted a rare visit to the biggest ivory stockpile in the world in Tanzania earlier this month
While appreciating his son’s sentiment, Charles believes there is a vast difference between calling for action against illegal traders now and ordering Buckingham Palace to rid itself of an enormously important and historical collection of artefacts that form part of the Royal Collection Trust.
Among the items are a 19th-century Indian throne and footstool and a pair of 18th-century seven-storey pagodas acquired by George IV.
The idea of such historic items, and others such as Henry VIII’s quill pen, being broken up filled Charles with dread.
Queen Mary, left, looking at pearls and ivory at the exhibition in June 1918. William told Dr Jane Goodall, right, he would order Buckingham Palace to destroy all of their ivory
That said, there are many who know William and his stubborn streak, and believe he will take some form of action when he becomes king, despite his father’s protestations.