Next governor-general could be Prince Harry, William
- News Corp Australia newspapers
An adviser says the young princes would give "very serious consideration'' if either were offered the post.
William, 27, is training to become an RAF search and rescue pilot and Harry, 25, wants to fly Apache attack helicopters with the Army Air Corps.
But their career paths could include a future diplomatic posting such as governor-general of Australia or Canada.
"They are a matter for the Australian and Canadian governments,'' an adviser told London's Daily Telegraph newspaper.
"It would not be appropriate for the Royal family to say Prince William or Prince Harry is up for the job.
"However, if they were to offer it would be given very serious consideration.''
Prince Charles coveted the position in the 1980s, but was foiled by then prime minister Bob Hawke who said Australians would not accept a royal "double dose''.
Charles said some years later: "So, what are you supposed to think when you are prepared to do something to help and you are just told you're not wanted?''
William was raised as a potential candidate in 2007 when a biography revealed his interest in the position.
Then prime minister John Howard rejected the idea, saying he did not want to alter the practice of "having a person who is an Australian in every way''.
As opposition leader, Kevin Rudd said at the time that there was "a great place for the British royals, and it's in Britain''.
William will visit Australia for three days in January as an off-shoot to an official trip to New Zealand on behalf of his grandmother, the Queen.
Mr Rudd announced the visit earlier this month, saying the prince wanted to "begin to get to know Australia and its people''.
A spokeswoman for William and Harry declined to comment yesterday.
