Second-in-line to the British throne, Prince William, announced recently that he plans to become a full-time pilot on one of the Royal Air Force’s six search and rescue teams. He will begin an 18-month training program shortly that will prepare him to fly Sea King rescue helicopters.
The prince is currently enrolled in the RAF but his stint was coming to a close at the end of 2008. Because they are future kings, neither he nor his younger brother Prince Harry are allowed to serve on the front lines and his choice was no doubt influenced by these safety issues as the Sea Kings are not used in war operations but are primarily utilized in civilian rescues. During the prince’s time with the RAF this spring he learned how to fly, so operating the Sea Kings will allow the 26-year-old to increase his skills when his training begins next year. William has also served with the Royal Navy and is currently an officer in the British army as lieutenant in the Blues and Royals. He will transfer to the RAF and is the first member of the royal family to work in the Search and Rescue force.
He said in a statement that he appreciates the armed forces more, having been involved in past years and that he has developed a love of flying. The son of the Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana added that he appreciated the opportunity to serve in the forces and contribute to a vital part of the country’s emergency services. A typical tour of duty with Search and Rescue is 36 months and he’ll begin at the rank of Flying Officer.
Much to the delight of the media and royal watchers, the prince landed his air force helicopter on the lawn of his girlfriend, Kate Middleton, earlier this year, causing a considerable flurry of criticism.
He will also spend time with the special boat squadron and the reconnaissance regiment, considered by many, when combined with his past military experiences, as excellent preparation for the time when, as king, he will be head of the armed forces.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Prince Harry is also focusing on a military career as an officer in the British Army. He attempted to serve on Afghanistan but the media discovered his presence after 10 weeks and out of concern for the safety of the young man and his fellow-soldiers, he was returned to Britain.
Although both men are focusing on their respective careers, they also attempt to carry out some royal duties as well. They are patrons to a small number of organizations whose work they want to support, some of them which their late mother, Princes Diana, furthered by using her celebrity status to raise awareness and funds, including cancer, AIDS, weapons reduction, refugees and disadvantaged youth. Her sons have frequently been reported in the press as stating that they planned to continue her charitable work as time allowed.
