The Duke of Cambridge has joked he needs "toothpicks" to keep his tired eyes open.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The 35-year-old royal has hinted being a parent to Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, two - who he has with his wife Duchess Catherine - can take its toll on him, and often leaves him feeling so sleep-deprived he feels he needs to use a prop to stop his eyelids from shutting.

Speaking at the Wales v Australia rugby match, which took place in Cardiff on Saturday (11.11.17), and has been reported on The Mirror Online, Prince William said: "I do need toothpicks to keep my eyes open because of the kids."

William and Catherine - who was formerly known as Kate Middleton before she married the royal - are expecting their third child together in April next year, which will no doubt bring even more sleepless nights to the couple.

The duo announced they were expanding their brood in September this year.

A statement issued by Kensington Palace at the time said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in April 2018."

Though William has hinted parenting can be difficult, Catherine, 35, believes raising a child should be a collaborative effort, and not solely down to the baby's parents but also the teachers working at a child's school and other people.

Speaking previously, the brunette beauty said: "As a mother, just getting used to leaving my own child at the school gates, it is clear to me that it takes a whole community to help raise a child. Whether we are school leavers, teachers, support staff or parents we are all in this together."