William's new life

The Duke of Cambridge has a new baby, a new home to move into and now a whole new way of life.  Prince William has announced that he is leaving the Armed Forces after a seven year career to concentrate on royal duties and, in particular, environmental concerns.

 

The start of a military career which is now coming to an end.  Prince William began his service by training at Sandhurst - here, he's seen at his passing out parade being made to giggle by his granny

 

The Prince joined the Army in 2006 and trained at Sandhurst before transferring to the RAF and in 2009 he started learning how to be a search and rescue pilot, the work that would take him to Anglesey in Wales and his first home with Kate.  Today, he announced that he has flown his last mission for them and from now on, his work will be centred around increased royal duties alongside his wife.

 

 



 

William and Kate on their last joint appearance on Anglesey where they started the Ring of Fire marathon.  They are leaving the island and upping their royal activities as a new life starts for them

The prince has also announced today that he will be concentrating on environmental and conversation work and is taking on the presidency of a collaboration of seven charities to be known as United for Wildlife.  He has been speaking a lot recently about his passion for the environment and making sure that his little boy grows up to enjoy the world as it is.  This new announcement underlines that.

Prince William joined his father recently to host a conference to try and end wildlife crime

 

The new school year is bringing big changes for Britain's royal family.  Later this autumn, the Prince of Wales will travel to Sri Lanka for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in place of the queen who hasn't missed the meeting since 1973.  Prince Charles' increased range of royal duties is a visible reminder of his preparations for kingship and now, with William taking on more responsibilities, another change is under way in the image of the royal family. 

 

 

 

It's not just William who will have an increased range of duties - Prince Charles is to represent the queen on one of the most important overseas duties she undertakes



The Cambridges are due to move into their new home at Kensington Palace soon as well so William will have a new base in the capital for his new life.  Just a word of warning to Kate - keep him busy.  There's nothing worse than having a bored other half shuffling round the house (or palace) on a day off when you're trying to get things done.