Royal Watch News

Prince William pleased to qualify as RAF captain

Jun 8, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Prince William

Britain's Prince William is 'pleased' to have 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 and a spokesperson for the royal has revealed his delight at his new title.

The spokesperson said 'The duke is pleased to have passed the milestone and is looking forward to contributing in a command role to the lifesaving work of the Search and Rescue Force.'

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

While the prince 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.