From ’copters to hawks as Duke says farewell

William has almost completed his three-year tour of duty 
as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot and is widely expected to return to London with Kate and baby son Prince George to take on more royal duties rather than stay in the service.

He spoke about his future as he attended the Anglesey Show, where he helped in a falconry display and joked about his young son.

The Duke, 31, said: “I have to say that I thought search and rescue duties over Snowdonia were physically and mentally demanding, but looking after a three-week-old baby is up there.

“I know that I speak for Catherine when I say that I have never in my life known somewhere as beautiful and as welcoming as Anglesey.

“The views across the Menai Straits are undoubtedly among the most stunning in the British Isles.

“I know that both of us will miss it terribly when my search and rescue tour of duty comes to an end next month and we have to move elsewhere.”

An announcement on William’s future in the military is expected in the coming weeks.

During his visit to the Anglesey show, William was thanked by a teenager he rescued while on duty in August last year.

Sharon West, 17, from Herefordshire, who was caught in a rip tide, said: “He saved my life, and Squadron 22 as well, all of them together.

“He rescued me when I got swept out to sea. If he’d been a few seconds later I wouldn’t be here today.”