06.08 pm, Friday May 25 2012

William eyes longer military service

07:44 AEDT Mon Feb 13 2012
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As his grandmother marks 60 years as Queen, Prince William has no immediate plans to dedicate his life to the family firm, reports a British newspaper.

Currently on a six-week tour of duty to the Falkland Islands as a search and rescue helicopter pilot, the 29-year-old second-in-line to the throne has signalled an intention to extend his career with the RAF.

His three-year tour of duty is due to end in mid-2013, but The Sunday Telegraph newspaper has reported the Duke of Cambridge intends to stay on.

"The Duke is very keen on his flying, very good at it, and he wants to continue with his military career," a senior royal aide told the Telegraph.

"Should the Duke and Duchess choose to have children within the next few years, he is keen to bring them up as children of a serviceman for as long as possible.

"He is in no hurry to take up a more prominent role within the royal family, and there is absolutely no pressure from the Queen or anywhere within the royal household for him to do so.

"The Duke is conscious of other members of the royal family, including his grandfather, who gave up their military careers to take up greater official responsibilities, but he is not keen to do this if he doesn't need to."

William has already served six years in the forces, more than his father Prince Charles's time with the RAF and Royal Navy between 1971 and 1976, and more than his uncle Prince Edward's three years with the Royal Marines.

In other news out of London, William's Sea King helicopter was at the centre of a security scare in the Falklands last week, reported the Daily Star tabloid.

As the bright yellow chopper landed on a playing field during a medical mercy mission, a group of foreign journalists rushed at the aircraft, hoping to get photos of its royal pilot.

The action has raised concerns that instead of being media, the group could have been armed and dangerous.

"They cannot afford to allow breaches like that," former Scotland Yard commander John O'Connor told the Star.

"All the rest of his security and close protection is a complete waste of time and money if they allow breaches like that."

 

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