Royal Watch News

Prince William becomes RAF captain

Jun 7, 2012, 12:02 GMT

Prince William

Britain's Prince William has qualified as a Royal Air Force Search and Rescue captain.

The Duke of Cambridge completed captaincy tests on Tuesday 29 May, according to Clarence House's official twitter page.

The statement added: 'Flight Lieutenant Wales, as the Duke is known in the military, will now command search and rescue operations in RAF Sea King helicopters.'

The duke has been a Sea King co-pilot serving with No 22 Squadron at RAF Valley in Anglesey, north Wales.

While William was completing his exams, his wife the Duchess of Cambridge - also known as Kate Middleton - was attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace ahead of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Just last year, William said he was hoping to be promoted to captain in the RAF.

He said: 'The training has been challenging, but I have enjoyed it immensely. I absolutely love flying, so it will be an honour to serve operationally with the Search and Rescue Force.'

Among the duties he carries out as a search and rescue pilot are dealing with serious injuries and deaths during sea, mountain and flood rescue missions across the UK.