Falkland Islands

Prince William 6 week duty in Falklands

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Prince William will undertake a six-week tour of duty in the Falkland Islands early next year - the 30th anniversary of the conflict.

A full announcement will be made by the Ministry of Defence, but it is understood that the royal, an RAF Search and Rescue pilot, will fly out to the South Atlantic in January after spending Christmas with his new wife.

The timing of William’s posting is hugely sensitive and is certain to antagonise the Argentinan government, which continues to assert a territorial claim to the islands despite defeat at the hands of British forces in 1982.

William, however, has always made clear he is keen to go. According to sources, the Prince does not want to be singled out for any special treatment and the posting will count towards his bid to be promoted to captain.

He has also discussed the issue at length with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, as it will mean that they will be separated for almost two months, the longest period they have ever spent apart.

Kate is said to have been ‘very supportive’ of his decision.

RAF Mount Pleasant, where he will be based, was opened in 1985 by the Duke of York, himself a Sea King pilot in the 1982 war.

It is home to up to 2,000 British military personnel and is 30 miles south-west of the islands' capital, Port Stanley.