Prince William quits as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot to do more work with animal charities

• Duke of Cambridge has completed his tour as RAF search and rescue pilot
• He is now looking to expand charity interests, particularly in conservation
• Prince is in a 'transitional' year and is considering 'public service' options
• Head of the RAF has praised the Duke's work in the air force
• He received gifts from his colleagues when his last shift ended on Tuesday

Prince William (pictured at the controls of a Sea King helicopter during a training exercise, in Wales) has completed his tour as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot

Prince William has completed his final duties as a search and rescue helicopter pilot with the RAF, Kensington Palace announced today.
The Duke of Cambridge has left his operational duties in the Armed Forces and is now looking to expand his charitable interests, particularly in the field of conservation and endangered species.
William, who carried out his last operational shift on Tuesday, is to continue to carry out royal engagements but is not expected to increase his number of public duties.
Sources have said the prince, who became a father in July, is in a 'transitional' year and is considering options for his 'public service'.
An announcement will be made about his decision within the next 12 months.
Kensington Palace said in a statement: 'His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge is to leave operational service in the Armed Forces.
'He completes his Tour with the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force at RAF Valley, Anglesey, after more than seven-and-a-half years of full-time military service.
'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 12 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 of Cambridge is looking to expanding his charitable interests after finishing his tour with the RAF

The Duke was known as Flight Lieutenant Wales in the air force and was based at RAF Valley on Anglesey

'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 Duke is currently considering a number of options for public service, a further announcement on which will follow in due course.

 

'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 was expected to leave the military and return to London with Kate and baby son Prince George rather than opt for another tour of duty with the RAF.

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge present their baby George to the world for the very first time

The Duke was known as Flight Lieutenant Wales in the air force and was based at RAF Valley on Anglesey. During his three-year tour he took part in 156 search and rescue operations, with 149 people being rescued.
He would have discussed his military future, like all pilots, with a career manager known as a desk officer.
But as William will one day be king, his future is dictated to a large degree and he has to prepare himself for that role.

Prince William (second right) stands with his search and rescue crew, (from left to right) winchman Sergeant Ed Griffith, Flight Lieutenant Alan Connor and winch operator Sergeant Paul Jones, in 2011

The decision might have been taken reluctantly as the Duke spoke movingly about his time in Wales in a speech at a country show on Anglesey last month.
William said: 'This island has been our first home together, and it will always be an immensely special place for us both. Catherine and I look forward to returning again and again over the coming years with our family.'

Prince William, attends flight training at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, in 2008

With the birth of George in July, the Cambridges are now a family unit and will soon move into their refurbished Kensington Palace apartment.
It will be their main home but the royal couple are also expected to move into their country retreat, Anmer Hall, on the Queen's private Sandringham estate in Norfolk, later this year.
The head of the RAF, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, praised the Duke's work in the air force.
Sir Andrew, Chief of the Air Staff, said: 'Flight Lieutenant Wales has been an integral part of the Royal Air Force's Search and Rescue Force, as a Sea King pilot on No. 22 Squadron, based at Royal Air Force Valley for the past three years.
'Throughout his tour his airmanship, often in the most demanding of conditions, has contributed directly to saving lives in the mountains of North Wales and from the ravages of the Irish Sea.
'He has earned the respect of all who have worked with him as a highly professional and competent pilot.'
An RAF spokesman said William had an uneventful final 24-hour shift which ended on Tuesday morning.
He said: 'They conducted a routine training flight, but thankfully, there were no incidents requiring their services across north Wales or the Irish Sea.'
William received gifts from his colleagues when his last shift ended including a plinth-mounted cyclic control stick top, presented by AgustaWestland shift engineering manager Stephen Sedgwick.