Wales

Prince William graduates as Search and Rescue pilot

Prince William has graduated as a RAF Search and Rescue pilot in a ceremony at RAF Valley in Anglesey. The prince, known as Flight Lieutenant Wales, said the course had been “challenging” but that he had “enjoyed it immensely”.

He will spend the next three years at the base, joining 22 Squadron, C Flight as a fully operational co-pilot in a Sea King Mk3 helicopter, flying rescue missions over the UK.

In the graduation ceremony Prince William and his fellow trainees were presented with certificates and a Search and Rescue Force badge by the unit's Commander, Group Captain Jonathan Dixon.

The prince has spent the last 19 months in training, learning how to fly this search and rescue helicopter. During which, he has taken part in a number of simulated rescue missions in the Welsh mountains and over the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

He was one of seven trainees to graduate at today’s ceremony. He will start off as a co-pilot, part of a four-man helicopter team, flying rescue missions all over the UK. The RAF has warned any bogus callers hoping to catch a glimpse of the prince; they could face a hefty fine for calling out a search and rescue team unnecessarily.