Prince William to give up air ambulance role to focus on royal duties
Prince William is to leave his job as an air ambulance helicopter pilot to spend more time on royal duties.
Kensington Palace said in a statement yesterday that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their two children would also now spend more time in London and less time at their country home in Norfolk.
Prince William will stop his work with the East Anglia Air Ambulance service in the summer.
The move will enable threeyear-old Prince George to start pre-school in London in autumn.
Officials said William and Kate will still have their primary residence in Norfolk but will have more time to represent the Queen at numerous events, after she has reduced the number of patronages holds and is cutting back on some public appearances.
Prince William said it had been a “huge privilege” to fly with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, which he joined in 2015.
“I have had experiences in this job I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” he said.
The palace said the royal couple were “keen to continue to increase their official work on behalf of the Queen”.
The Queen recently stepped down as patron of 25 charitable organisations, with some of those passing to the duke and duchess.
Prince William has replaced her as patron of the Amateur Swimming Association, while the Duchess of Cambridge has taken up a role at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon.
The palace said these commitments would “require greater time spent in London”.
Prince William also praised the medical and emergency services community, adding: “I have loved being part of a team of professional, talented people that save lives every day.”
The duke previously described his experiences of piloting as having “some very sad” moments.
He said: “I love working as a team – that’s something that my other job doesn’t necessarily do, you are more out there on your own a little bit.”