Wills’ wedding plans ruined by his chopper

DETERMINED Prince William gave marriage plans the chop to ensure his
helicopter career takes off.



The future king’s military service was due to end in December and bookies
stopped taking bets on a royal wedding next year.





It had been thought Wills — dating Kate, 26, for six years — would take up
full-time royal duties. Instead he will transfer from the Army to the RAF.

If he makes the grade, he will then move on to a three-year operational stint
on Sea King helicopters coping with mostly civilian emergencies across the
country.


Earlier this year he spent four months gaining his RAF wings and in May The
Sun revealed he had fallen in love with flying.


Yesterday Wills said: “It has been a real privilege to have spent the past
year understanding and experiencing all aspects of the British Armed Forces.


"I now want to build on the experience and training I have received to
serve operationally — especially because, for good reasons, I was not able
to deploy to Afghanistan this year with D Squadron of the Household Cavalry
Regiment.


“Joining search and rescue is a perfect opportunity for me to serve in the
Forces operationally, while contributing to a vital part of the country’s
emergency services.”


Flying Officer Wales, as the Prince will be known, can expect to earn around
£30,000 as a pilot and will work 24-hour shifts.


He could opt to be based in Cyprus or the Falklands but it is likely he will
serve in the UK for personal and security reasons.


Emergencies the six four-man teams can deal with range from hunting missing
hill walkers to winching injured sailors from ships.


The yellow helicopters also helped in recent floods.