Concentration etched on his face: Prince William takes to the skies... in the Falklands

Daily Mail (UK) ^ | 5th February 2012

[naturalman1975]

Prince William took to the skies over the Falkland Islands today on his first sortie as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

William arrived on the archipelago this week amid escalating tensions between Britain and Argentina over the disputed region.

The pilot prince has been branded a 'pirate prince' by protestors - but William would have been concentrating on closer-to-hand issues as he prepared for his first exercise.

Today's images also show the 29-year-old prince consulting maps with a colleague in a squadron operations room.

William, who in the RAF is called Flt Lt Wales, will provide search and rescue cover for both the civilian and military population.

His role is to operate as a Sea King co-pilot, a post he has held at RAF Valley in Anglesey since qualifying.

The Duke's first shift involved briefings on the unique and challenging flying environment of the Falkland Islands and familiarisation with the location and the job he is to perform.

Squadron Leader Miles Bartlett, said: 'A posting to operations in the Falklands is a vital part of the career progression for a Search and Rescue pilot.

'The experience they get here is second to none.

'It is a challenging and varied job providing an essential capability to the military and the Falkland Islands population.'

[tcrlaf]

“Shouldn’t he be Flt. Lt. Windsor?”

Both of the Princes go by Wales, in the military, so it’s “Flt. Lt. Wales”

[naturalman1975]

That is part of the reason most male members of the Royal Family do serve in the military for at least a few years. Even if people disagree with the idea of a monarchy - and there are plenty of reasons to do so - those born into these families don't get any more choice as to which family they were born into than anybody else. They are taught from birth that they have a duty to their country and to its people and over the years, in Britain at least, very few have failed in that duty. They go into the military as both a sign of that commitment, but also because it is a good place to learn the self discipline and self sacrifice needed to continue doing your duty for the rest of your life. Yes, they also have a lot of positive advantages - money, power, nice homes, etc, etc. But duty is all.

The motto of the Prince of Wales is 'Ich Dien' - "I serve".

[depressed in 06]

Is Argentina in that much trouble they have to pull this crap again?

[aposiopetic]

Thanks for recounting the history.

[maranatha]

I’m glad you posted this and I enjoyed all the FR responses. I have so much admiration for Queen Elizabeth. She’s outstanding and now we have Harry and William. I’m a grandmother too and I know how proud she is of them and worried about their safety.

[El Gato]

IIRC, his Uncle Andrew also served in the Falklands, during the late unpleasantness with the Argentinians.

Randy Andy flew helicopters too, sometimes rescue missions, sometimes "Missile bait".

[El Gato]

IIRC, his Uncle Andrew also served in the Falklands, during the late unpleasantness with the Argentinians.

Randy Andy flew helicopters too, sometimes rescue missions, sometimes "Missle bait".