William to begin final air ambulance shift

The Duke of Cambridge will begin his last shift as an air ambulance pilot before moving on to life as a full-time member of the royal family.

William announced in January he would be ending his career with the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), and has clocked-up more than two years flying medical crews to emergencies from a base at Cambridge Airport.

A statement issued at the time by Kensington Palace said William and Kate wanted, as they had in previous years, to increase their official duties on behalf of the Queen and their charity work, which would mean more time in London.

Since then the Duke of Edinburgh has announced he will step down from his public duties this summer, which is likely to see all members of the monarchy carrying out more engagements in support of the Queen. 0 The Duke of Cambridge will spend more time in London

Patrick Peal, EAAA’S chief executive, said: “William has been an integral part of the team for the past two years.

“He is not only a fantastic pilot, but a much loved and valued member of the crew; he will be truly missed by everyone at EAAA.”

The Cambridges are expected to spend more time at Kensington Palace, rather than their Norfolk property Anmer Hall, as their son Prince George will begin school in the city in September.