After rescuing 149 people in various states of distress, from stranded walkers to shipwrecked sailors, Prince William is quitting his job with the RAF and leaving the army. He will devote more of his life to public service and charities, and we can also expect to see a lot more of Kate, who will be 'supporting' him in his new role. After a slow introduction to Royal life, with just a few engagements annually, the new mom now appears to be ready to step up to a more full time role.
The couple are moving to Kensington Palace with their young baby, Prince George, news that will be very welcome among Britain's Royal press pack which has been starved of Kate content since the couple hid themselves away in the Welsh countryside.
The palace made the announcement this morning, but William has resisted calls to declare himself a 'full-time' royal, with the palace saying that he "is currently considering a number of options for public service, a further announcement on which will follow in due course". However, it was made clear that we can expect to see a lot more of William and Kate over the next year as they up their official duties. The palace statement said, "He will continue to support the work of The Queen and the Royal Family through a programme of official engagements, both at home and overseas, with The Duchess of Cambridge. The Duke will work closely over the next twelve months with the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. He will expand his work in the field of conservation, particularly in respect of endangered species. The Duke will continue to work with his charities on issues relating to children and young people, veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces."
The statement also provided clarification on the young royals living arrangements, saying "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George are expected to move into their official residence at Kensington Palace within the next few weeks."
William started his full-time military duties as an Officer Cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in January 2006. He commissioned into the Household Cavalry in December 2006. He became a Lieutenant in The Blues and Royals before transferring his commission to the Royal Air Force. He has been based at RAF Valley since January 2010, where as Flight Lieutenant Wales he has served as a fully operational Search and Rescue pilot flying the Sea King helicopter.
In this time, he has undertaken a total of 156 search and rescue operations, resulting in 149 people being rescued, the palace said.
