Prince William Earns Advanced Helicopter Rating

January 18, 2010 — Prince William moved one step closer to becoming a search and rescue pilot with the Royal Air Force after earning an advanced helicopter rating last week. AFP reported that Prince Charles awarded his son and fellow students their flying badge in a ceremony Friday at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire. According to the Metro, Prince Charles said: "I know only too well how complicated it can be having a relative or a close friend in the forces, because they are rarely, if ever, around. But today is a day, I think, of great pride for all of the parents, not to mention the girlfriends.” Prince William’s girlfriend, Kate Middleton, 28, was among those attending the 30-minute graduation ceremony at the airbase, rising to her feet and clapping as William graduated with fellow RAF students, the Associated Press reported. Prince William, 27, who is known as "Flight Lieutenant Wales," has been in training for 12 months as Shawbury. AFP reports that his next station is RAF Valley on Anglesey, North Wales, where he'll be taught to fly Sea King helicopters. Prince William is not the first member of the Royal Family to qualify as an RAF helicopter pilot. His father, Prince Charles, served as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot, as did his uncle, the Duke of York, who was a Sea King helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War. Prince William is second in line to the throne. Younger brother, Prince Harry, who is training with the Army Air Corps, is lagging six months behind his older brother. He will receive his wings in a ceremony next May at RAF Middle Wallop where he is now stationed, the Prince Harry Unofficial Fan Site reported.

Britain's Prince William, right, shakes hands with his father Prince Charles, after graduating from advanced helicopter training. Photo credit: AP Prince William’s girlfriend, Kate Middleton, right, attended the graduation ceremony on Friday. Photo credit: Prince Harry Unofficial Fan Site

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