Prince William Refutes Claims That He Is Work Shy During ITV Interview [Video]

Prince William refuted claims that he is work shy, saying that receiving criticism was “part of the job.” The Duke of Cambridge refused to make further comment when he was repeatedly asked if he was frustrated by criticism over his workload. He was giving an interview with ITV’s Mark Austin which aired Tuesday.

When William was asked if he found it annoying that his work was being questioned, he did not give any detailed answer. The 33-year-old has been dubbed a part-time royal by some critics after it was reported he had carried out just 87 appearances in the U.K. last year and 35 on overseas trips. Compared to him, his elderly grandfather Prince Philip also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, carried out 250 engagements.

It had been claimed that William, who works as an air ambulance pilot, is prevented from carrying out more royal duties on his days off because of European red tape. However, the allegation was denied by the Civil Aviation Authority. Pictures of the Cambridges on a skiing trip in the Alps along with their kids Prince George and Princess Charlotte also provoked anger.

“Today is more about talking about the poaching crisis,” said William in answer to all questions. The interview was recorded last week in Kensington Palace. It mostly centered on the illegal wildlife trade, a cause which is close to his heart. He hoped that his kids once they grew up would share the same passion for protecting endangered species.

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton was also drew flak from PETA UK for wearing fur gloves during their ski holiday in the French Alps. She wore Alexski’s women’s ski mittens, which are made with leather and real fur. The brand reportedly said that each $420 pair contains a “full lining of possum fur.”