World | UK
William awarded Royal Air Force wings
Prince William, watched by his admiring girlfriend Kate Middleton, received his Royal Air Force wings from his father Prince Charles on Friday.
- Reuters
- Published: 00:39 April 12, 2008
London: Prince William, watched by his admiring girlfriend Kate Middleton, received his Royal Air Force wings from his father Prince Charles on Friday.
William, the fourth successive generation of the monarchy to become an RAF pilot, learned to fly on his four-month attachment. He fulfilled a childhood ambition by flying solo for the first time.
Air Chief Marshal Glenn Torpy told the graduates: "This is probably one of the most significant milestones in an aviator's career. It's something that not many people can do and you should be very proud of what you have done."
Middleton, smiling and looking relaxed for photographers and camera crews, accompanied William to a reception and celebration lunch given for the fliers afterwards. William starts an attachment to the Royal Navy in June.
William, the future head of the Armed Forces, spent a year with the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals before his stint with the Royal Air Force.
He called his RAF colleagues "a bunch of really good guys, they loved their flying, they were all really dedicated guys".
Share this article
UK
Large fire hits London: 310 people evacuated
Duchess of York's missing PA found
London Business School honours Mohammad
3-year-old boy stabbed to death by father
Queen gets new dress on birthday card
Commission begins inquiry into Iraq war
Cumbria mops up after severe flooding
Second panel member in expenses controversy
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
Into an oasis of values
A place to snuggle in the warmth of old manners away from the bustle of city life
-
The walking MP
Rory Stewart's long walk in life has taken a new turn
-
What drives Africa's new kind of refugees?
Warming-driven factors have led many in the continent to flee their homes
