Duke of Cambridge confirms he is leaving East Anglian Air Ambulance
Further to speculative reports that surfaced earlier in the week, Kensington Palace has today confirmed that Prince William will indeed be stepping down from his role as an East Anglian Air Ambulance helicopter pilot in the summer and spending more time in London.
The Cambridge Independent reported on Wednesday that the 34-year-old would be leaving his job in order to concentrate on his royal duties and in a statement issued on his behalf by Kensington Palace, William praised his employers saying it was a “privilege” to fly with them.
The statement added that William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wanted, as they have in previous years, to increase their official duties on behalf of the Queen and also their charity work, which would mean more time in London.
Prince William has replaced the Queen as patron of the Amateur Swimming Association, while the Duchess took on the same role at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) in Wimbledon.
Prince George, who is three, will begin school in London in September while sister Princess Charlotte, who turns two in May, will start nursery in the capital.
The full statement read:
“It has been a huge privilege to fly with the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Following on from my time in the military, I have had experiences in this job I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and that will add a valuable perspective to my royal work for decades to come.
“I would like to thank the people of East Anglia for being so supportive of my role and for letting me get on with the job when they have seen me in the community or at our region’s hospitals.
“I would especially like to thank all of my colleagues at EAAA, Babcock and Cambridge airport for their friendship and support. I have loved being part of a team of professional, talented people that save lives every day. My admiration for our country’s medical and emergency services community could not be any stronger.”
eaaa.org.uk
