Prince William is to be posted as an RAF search-and-rescue helicopter pilot in north Wales for up to three years, it has been announced
By John Bingham
The Prince, a flight lieutenant, will stay on at RAF Valley on Anglesey, where he has been learning to fly Sea King helicopters, if he passes his training in September, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.
Initially serving as a co-pilot, the 27-year-old would eventually become captain of an aircraft, in command of its crew, depending on his performance.
The announcement of a stable three-year posting is likely to further fuel speculation of a possible engagement to his girlfriend Kate Middleton.
Although required to live in quarters while on call for search and rescue operations, St James’s Palace confirmed that it would enable him to continue living off the base in a private cottage which he recently began renting.
The posting, with Number 22 Squadron, is expected to see him regularly assigned to take part in operations in Northern Ireland, making him the first member of the Royal family to serve in the Province since the outbreak of the Troubles in 1969.
The Prince chose the base alongside RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland when asked to submit two choices to his commanders who took the final decision.
He is said to have been attracted by the difficult flying conditions presented by mountainous terrain and open sea.
But, as a future Prince of Wales, the decision to live on Anglesey will also strengthen his ties to the area.
A spokeswoman for St James’s Palace said: “He loves the coast of north Wales as well as the variety of flying the posting will give him".
“He is looking forward to get to know the area better over the coming years”.
He completed his ground training last week and is now undergoing an intensive Sea King Operational Conversion Unit course involving flight simulators and eventually airborne sorties.
The Prince is following a long commitment of members of the Royal family to the Armed forces which has also seen his brother, Prince Harry serve with the Army in Afghanistan.
He is also following in the footsteps of his uncle, the Duke of York, who flew Sea King helicopters in the Falklands War in 1982.
Daily Telegraph
